Chicago ? LeBron James became the youngest player to score 15,000 career points, breaking Kobe Bryant?s mark by about two years, as the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away late to beat Chicago 92-85 yesterday for their 12th win in 13 games.
James scored 13 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, giving him 15,026 in his career, and had 11 rebounds. He scored seven straight late in the game as Cleveland increased its lead to 10, sending the Bulls to their 10th straight loss.
James reached the milestone at 25 years, 79 days, and he did it in his 540th game. Bryant was 27 years, 136 days and playing his 657th game, according to STATS LLC, when he did it for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Suns 110, Jazz 100
At Phoenix, Amare Stoudemire scored the first 11 points for Phoenix en route to a season-high 44 as the Suns led all the way in a victory over Utah that pulled them within a game of the Jazz for fourth place in the West.
Stoudemire made 14 of 16 shots and 16 of 18 free throws. He scored 27 points in the second half, 16 in the final quarter, in Phoenix?s first victory over the Jazz in three tries this season. Robin Lopez added 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Steve Nash 15 points and 10 assists.
Hawks 93, Bobcats 92, OT
At Atlanta, Joe Johnson sank a fallaway jump shot over three Charlotte defenders just before time expired for Atlanta.
Johnson returning after missing two games because of Achilles? tendinitis, had 18 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Celtics 94, Rockets 87
At Houston, Paul Pierce scored 26 points, and Ray Allen hit five 3-pointers and had 19 points as Boston snapped Houston?s winning streak at fours games.
Kevin Garnett added 15 points, and Rajon Rondo had 10 assists for the Celtics, who smothered high-scoring Houston point guard Aaron Brooks and held the Rockets to 39.5 percent shooting (30 of 76).
OTHER RESULTS: Thunder 115, Raptors 89; Knicks 92, 76ers 88; Spurs 147, Warriors 116; Trail Blazers 76, Wizards 74; Pacers 106, Pistons 102. /AP
