Cavs-Warriors delivers big Christmas Day rating
The NBA Finals rematch between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors matched the highest-rated Christmas Day NBA game in 12 years. The Cavs defeated the Warriors 109-108 after a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback, delivering a 5.9 overnight rating on ABC. The New York Knicks-Los Angeles Lakers matchup in 2012 also generated a 5.9 overnight rating.According to Nielsen, the broadcast peaked with a 6.8 rating at 5 p.m. ET. The game, which tipped off at 2:30 p.m., drew its four best quarter hours between 4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
© Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports Jan 8, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) loses control of the ball while trying to dunk against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard DeAndre Liggins (14) during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. PHOENIX (AP) -- LeBron James scored 12 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and the Cleveland Cavaliers fought off Phoenix down the stretch to beat the Suns 120-116 on Sunday night.
Kyrie Irving added 27 points and Kevin Love 25 for the Cavaliers. They led by as many as 22 in the first half and 20 early in the third quarter.
Curry's struggles aren't Warriors' biggest problem
Steph Curry will improve, but the Warriors have a glaring question to answer.That's about the level of Internet discourse in the wake of the two-time MVP's struggles against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day — struggles cast in an especially harsh light when Curry's point guard counterpart, Kyrie Irving, hit the game winner while Curry sat on the bench.
BOX SCORE: CAVALIERS 120, SUNS 116
The Suns tied it late in the third and got within one in the fourth but never took the lead.
Eric Bledsoe scored 31 points and Devin Booker had 28 for the Suns.
James sank consecutive 3-pointers, his only 3s of the game, to give Cleveland a 115-109 lead with 2:46 to play and scored on a driving layup with 44 seconds left to make it 120-114.
The young Suns got their running game going to outscore Cleveland 25-7 and Tyson Chandler's inside basket cut the Cav' lead to 84-82 with 3:31 left in the third quarter.
Phoenix tied it twice before the quarter ended, the last at 90 when Booker banked in an 8-footer with 11.2 seconds left, but Irving sank a 3 at the buzzer and Cleveland led entering the fourth 93-90.
The Sun got within one three times early in the final quarter, the last at 98-97 on Booker's left-handed drive with 9:37 left. After Phoenix rookie Dragan Bender missed a 3, Irving sank one, then added an acrobatic driving layup to put the Cavaliers up 104-98 with 7:38 left.
LeBron amazed by '95-year-old' Richard Jefferson
LeBron James pokes fun at ageless Richard Jefferson.As the Cleveland Cavaliers completed their dramatic come-from-behind victory vs. the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, Cavs forward Richard Jefferson ... yes, that same 36-year-old Richard Jefferson ...
The Suns still were down only 109-107 after Marquese Chriss made one of two free throws with 4:28 to play but James sank his first three to boost it to 112-107. Bledsoe's layup cut it to 112-109, and James sank his second 3 to make it a six-point game. Phoenix never got closer than four after that.
NOT YET
Kyle Korver, acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, joined his new Cleveland teammates Sunday afternoon but couldn't play because physicals and paperwork still had to be completed to finalize the deal that sent Mike Dunleavy, Mo Williams a protected first-round pick and cash considerations to the Hawks.
Korver could make his Cleveland debut Tuesday night at Utah.
TIP-INS
Cavaliers: James became the 14th player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career field goals. ... Cleveland scored 21 points off 11 Phoenix turnovers in the first half.
Suns: The 69 points matched the most allowed by Phoenix in the first half this season. ... Phoenix had won two in a row. The Suns have not won three in a row all season. ... Phoenix is 8-5 against the Eastern Conference. ... Olympic swim champion Michael Phelps sat next to Suns owner Robert Sarver at courtside.
The king of 2016: LeBron James named AP Male Athlete of Year
LeBron James was jolted forward when the massive crowd swelled from the sidewalks and into Cleveland's streets, surrounding the convertible that he and his family were riding in. This wasn't supposed to happen.James looked at his wife, Savannah, their baby daughter and two sons and feared for their safety."We were kind of afraid for a second," James said.Then relieved.
UP NEXT
Cavaliers: Cleveland makes the third stop on its six-game road trip when they face the Jazz on Tuesday.
Suns: The Suns don't play again until Thursday night when they face Dallas in Mexico City.
PHOTOS: 2016-17 NBA SEASON
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Russell's bustle
Russell Westbrook (0) of the Thunder steals the ball and heads up the court against the Nuggets on Jan. 7 in Oklahoma City. The Thunder won 121-106.
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Smart play
The Celtics' Marcus Smart lets out a howl after draining a 25-foot three to give Celtics a 74-61 lead over the Pelicans on Jan. 7 in Boston. The Celtics won 117-108.
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Bulls trample Raptors
The Bulls' Jimmy Butler passes the ball around the Raptors' Lucas Nogueira, right, on Jan. 7 in Chicago, IL. The Bulls won 123-118.
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Up for the basket
The Pacers' Paul George shoots the ball against the Knicks on Jan. 7 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 123-109.
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Line of defense
The Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins (22) is fouled by Rudy Gobert (27) of the Jazz on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis, MN. The Jazz won 94-92.
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In pursuit
Andrew Bogut (6) of the Mavericks runs for the loose ball against the Hawks' Dwight Howard (8) on Jan. 7 in Dallas, Texas. The Hawks won 97-82.
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Smooth move
Dejounte Murray of the Spurs drives past Brian Roberts of the Hornets on Jan. 7 in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs won 102-85.
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Curry takes off
The Warriors' Stephen Curry drives past Marc Gasol of the Grizzlies on Jan. 6 in Oakland, Calif. The Grizzlies won 128-119.
LeBron James echoes Kevin Durant’s L2M report criticisms
The NBA’s blue bloods are uniting against the league’s practice of releasing last two-minute reports. A day after Kevin Durant let his less-than-favorable feelings about the reports be known, LeBron James chimed in to echo Durant’s sentiments.
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Up and over
The Knicks' Carmelo Anthony shoots over the Bucks' Jabari Parker on Jan. 6 in Milwaukee. The Knicks won 116-111.
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Easy dunk
The Cavaliers' LeBron James dunks the ball during the first half against the Nets on Jan. 6 in New York. The Cavaliers won 116-108.
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I'll take that
The Magics' Bismack Biyombo steals the ball from the Rockets' James Harden in Orlando on Jan. 6. The Rockets won 100-93.
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Out of my way
The Grizzlies' Mike Conley is defended by the Warriors' Klay Thompson on Jan. 6 in Oakland, Calif. Memphis won 128-119.
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Shot blocker
The Nets' Brook Lopez heads for the net as the Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving blocks the shot on Jan. 6 in New York. The Cavaliers won 116-108.
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Under the radar
The Celtics' Isaiah Thomas drives against the 76ers' T.J. McConnell on Jan. 6 in Boston. The Celtics won 110-106.
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Taking the charge
The Rockets' Corey Brewer is called for an offensive foul as he runs into the Magic's D.J. Augustin while going up for a basket on Jan. 6 in Orlando, Fla. The Rockets won 100-93.
LeBron improving another area of his game
LeBron James' play has helped keep the Cavs at the top of the EastNo one needed to tell LeBron James his three-point shooting percentage for the first five weeks of the season.
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Taking a pass
The Nets' Trevor Booker passes the ball as Cavaliers' Kevin Love defends on Jan. 6 in New York. The Cavaliers won 116-108.
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Strong to the hoop
The Timberwolves' Karl-Anthony Towns shoots the ball as the Wizards' Jason Smith defends on Jan. 6 in Washington. The Wizards won 112-105.
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Scoring machine
Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots a layup during the game against the Houston Rockets on Jan. 5 at the Toyota Center in Houston. Westbrook scored 49 points.
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Foul mood
Indiana Pacers forward Paul George shoots the ball and is fouled by Brooklyn Nets guard Randy Foye in the second quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Jan. 5.
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Drive to the hoop
James Harden of the Houston Rockets is fouled by Enes Kanter of the Oklahoma City Thunder as he drives to the basket at Toyota Center on Jan. 5 in Houston.
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Double team
Brook Lopez of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on Jan. 5 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind.
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Getting a charge
Indiana Pacers forward C.J. Miles commits a charge on Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert in the second quarter of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Jan. 5.
LeBron, Love mingle with Michael Phelps
Game respects game, real recognizes real, and greatness surrounds itself with greatness. RELATED: LeBron, Cavaliers hold off Suns 120-116
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Face to face
Dorian Finney-Smith of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 5 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
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To the hoop
Roy Hibbert of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball against the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 5 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Mich.
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Battle of the big men
Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard goes to the basket in front of New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis in the first half in New Orleans, on Jan. 5.
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Flying high
The Clippers' DeAndre Jordan (6) dunks against the Grizzlies on Jan. 4 in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 115-106.
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Star of the day
The Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo is congratulated after scoring the game winning basket against the Knicks' on Jan. 4 in New York. The Bucks won 105-104.
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Loose ball
The Bulls' Robin Lopez battles the Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson (13) and Channing Frye for control of the ball in the second half Jan. 4 in Cleveland.
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High road
The Warriors' Kevin Durant shoots over the Trail Blazers' Noah Vonleh during the first half on Jan. 4 in Oakland, Calif.
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Thievery
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, left, of the Hornets steals the ball from the Thunder's Enes Kanter in the first half on Jan. 4 in Charlotte, N.C.
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Out of my way
Heat guard Dion Waiters goes to the basket against Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein during the first half Jan. 4 in Sacramento, Calif.
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Hold on
The Hawks' Dwight Howard is fouled by Jodie Meeks of the Magic during the first half Jan. 4 in Orlando, Fla.
Cavs, Warriors face 1 foe they care about
The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled to find motivation this season. It is tough for any NBA team to get through the dog days of January. For the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, however, there’s an additional problem: sheer boredom with their competition. With seven all-stars between them, and both squads nearly universally considered to be a level apart from the 28 other NBA teams, the Cavaliers and Warriors know they don’t have to put out maximum effort on a nightly basis to churn out wins in the regular season, and they often don’t.
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Little guy rises above
Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas rises above Utah Jazz point guard Shelvin Mack, left, during the first quarter on Jan. 3 at TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics won 115-104.
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Winner, winner
Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington, left, hits the game-winning shot past Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins with 0.2 seconds left on Jan. 3 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The 76ers won 93-91.
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Hitting the deck
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal, left, and Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith chase the loose ball during the fourth quarter on Jan. 3 in Dallas. The Mavericks won 113-105.
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A real laugher
San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, left, and referee Nick Buchert share a laugh during the first half against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 3 in San Antonio. The Spurs won 110-82.
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Setting the pace
Glenn Robinson III, left, of the Indiana Pacers gets to the basket past Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons during the first half on Jan. 3 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Pacers won 121-116.
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Feeling the Heat
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, gets fouled by Miami Heat guard Wayne Ellington as Booker goes up for a shot during the first half on Jan. 3 in Phoenix. The Suns won 99-90.
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Down the center of the lane
Omri Casspi, center, of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 3 at the Pepsi Center in Denver. The Kings won 120-113.
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Stealing act
The Nets' Rondae Hollis Jefferson in action against the Jazz's Rudy Gobert on Jan. 3 in New York City. The Jazz won 101-89.
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Playing with aggression
The Warriors' Stephen Curry drives the ball against the Nuggets' Nikola Jokic on Jan. 2 in Oakland. The Warriors won 127-119.
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Smart move
The Rockets' Eric Gordon passes the ball as the Wizards' Jason Smith defends on Jan. 2 in Houston. The Rockets won 101-91.
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Falling act
The Thunder's Russell Westbrook goes into the crowd trying to save the ball against the Bucks on Jan. 2 in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 98-94.
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Fouled reaction
The Suns' Devin Booker lies on the floor after being fouled as Marquese Chriss, Eric Bledsoe, Tyson Chander and T.J. Warren look over him against the Clippers on Jan. 2 in Los Angeles. The Clippers defeated the Suns 109-98.
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And he relaxed
The Bucks' Jabari Parker dunks against the Thunder on Jan. 2 in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 98-94.
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Making his way
The Magic's Aaron Gordon and Serge Ibaka box out the Knicks' Carmelo Anthony on Jan. 2 in New York City. The Magic won 115-103.
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From the top
The Cavaliers' LeBron James is called for an offensive foul against the Pelicans' Anthony Davis on Jan. 2 in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 90-82.
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Hitting target
The Bulls' Jimmy Butler goes to the basket against the Hornets' Spencer Hawes on Jan. 2 in Chicago. The Bulls won 118-111.
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Slowly moves
The Nuggets' Gary Harris dribbles the basketball against the Warriors' Klay Thompson on Jan. 2 in Oakland. The Warriors won 127-119.
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No stopping Lowry
The Raptors' Kyle Lowry (7) drives to the basket against the Lakers on Jan. 1 in Los Angeles. The Raptors won 123-114.
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Not giving an inch
The Spurs' Kyle Anderson (1) is defended by the Hawks' Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) in overtime on Jan.1 in Atlanta. The Hawks won 114-112.
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Eye to eye
The Blazers' C.J. McCollum (3) in action against the Timberwolves on Jan. 1 in Minneapolis. The Blazers won 95-89.
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A game of snatch
The Pacers' Myles Turner (33) battles for the possession of the ball with the Magic's Bismack Biyombo (11) on Jan. 1 in Indiana. The Pacers won 117-104.
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Desperate drive
The Pistons' Reggie Jackson (1) dives for a loose ball with the Heat's James Johnson (16) on Jan. 1 in Florida. The Pistons won 107-98.
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Dunking in style
The Timberwolves' Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dunks in front of Trail Blazers' Mason Plumlee on Jan. 1 in Minneapolis. The Trail Blazers won 95-89.
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Threading the needle
Suns guard Leandro Barbosa guards Jazz guard Rodney Hood in the first half Dec. 31 in Salt Lake City.
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Going on up
Suns guard Eric Bledsoe goes to the basket as Jazz center Rudy Gobert defends in the first half Dec. 31 in Salt Lake City.
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Under pressure
Grizzlies center Marc Gasol is pressured under the basket by Kings defenders Ben McLemore, right, and DeMarcus Cousins during the first half on Dec. 31 in Sacramento, Calif.
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Another rebound
Rockets guard James Harden comes down with a rebound against the Knicks during the fourth quarter on Dec. 31 at Toyota Center in Houston.
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Ready for action
Knicks guard Justin Holiday drops back on defense against the Rockets during the third quarter on Dec. 31.
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Losing it
Hornets guard Jeremy Lamb knocks the ball out of Cavaliers forward Channing Frye's hands during the second half on Dec. 31.
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Rebound time
Bulls forward Taj Gibson attempts to grab a rebound in front of Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo during the second half on Dec. 31 in Chicago.
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Drive time
Hornets guard Kemba Walker drives to the basket as he is defended by Cavaliers guard Jordan McRae during the second half on Dec. 31.
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Into traffic
Clippers guard Raymond Felton drives to the basket in front of Thunder center Steven Adams during the second quarter on Dec. 31.
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Grabbing boards
Bulls guard/forward Jimmy Butler, right, grabs a rebound next to Bucks forward John Henson during the first half on Dec. 31.
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Strong drive
Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins dribbles around Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green during the third quarter on Dec. 31 in Sacramento, Calif.
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Hang time
Caris LeVert of the Nets hangs from the rim after being fouled by Jason Smith of the Wizards during the second half on Dec. 30 in Washington, D.C.
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Against the wall
Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the game on Dec. 30, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.
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Sneaking around
John Wall of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket past multiple Brooklyn Nets defenders during the first half at Verizon Center on Dec. 30, in Washington, DC.
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Fall away pass
Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas gets a pass off after driving against Miami Heat forward Luke Babbitt and Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Dec. 30, in Boston.
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Passing around
Chicago Bulls' Dwyane Wade makes a pass against Indiana Pacers' Myles Turner during the second half of an NBA basketball game Dec. 30, in Indianapolis. Indiana defeated Chicago 111-101.
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Reaching in
Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell defends against Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center on Dec. 30.
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Rockets react
Houston Rockets guard James Harden reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center on Dec. 30.
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Driving one home
Houston Rockets forward Corey Brewer drives to the basket during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center on Dec. 30.
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Back stage pass
Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope passes the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena on Dec. 30.
Cavs, Warriors face 1 foe they care about .
The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled to find motivation this season. It is tough for any NBA team to get through the dog days of January. For the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, however, there’s an additional problem: sheer boredom with their competition. With seven all-stars between them, and both squads nearly universally considered to be a level apart from the 28 other NBA teams, the Cavaliers and Warriors know they don’t have to put out maximum effort on a nightly basis to churn out wins in the regular season, and they often don’t.
The NBA Finals rematch between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors matched the highest-rated Christmas Day NBA game in 12 years. The Cavs defeated the Warriors 109-108 after a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback, delivering a 5.9 overnight rating on ABC. The New York Knicks-Los Angeles Lakers matchup in 2012 also generated a 5.9 overnight rating.According to Nielsen, the broadcast peaked with a 6.8 rating at 5 p.m. ET. The game, which tipped off at 2:30 p.m., drew its four best quarter hours between 4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. 
Steph Curry will improve, but the Warriors have a glaring question to answer.That's about the level of Internet discourse in the wake of the two-time MVP's struggles against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day — struggles cast in an especially harsh light when Curry's point guard counterpart, Kyrie Irving, hit the game winner while Curry sat on the bench. 
LeBron James pokes fun at ageless Richard Jefferson.As the Cleveland Cavaliers completed their dramatic come-from-behind victory vs. the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, Cavs forward Richard Jefferson ... yes, that same 36-year-old Richard Jefferson ... 
LeBron James was jolted forward when the massive crowd swelled from the sidewalks and into Cleveland's streets, surrounding the convertible that he and his family were riding in. This wasn't supposed to happen.James looked at his wife, Savannah, their baby daughter and two sons and feared for their safety."We were kind of afraid for a second," James said.Then relieved. 
The NBA’s blue bloods are uniting against the league’s practice of releasing last two-minute reports. A day after Kevin Durant let his less-than-favorable feelings about the reports be known, LeBron James chimed in to echo Durant’s sentiments. 
LeBron James' play has helped keep the Cavs at the top of the EastNo one needed to tell LeBron James his three-point shooting percentage for the first five weeks of the season. 
Game respects game, real recognizes real, and greatness surrounds itself with greatness. RELATED: LeBron, Cavaliers hold off Suns 120-116 
The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled to find motivation this season. It is tough for any NBA team to get through the dog days of January. For the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, however, there’s an additional problem: sheer boredom with their competition. With seven all-stars between them, and both squads nearly universally considered to be a level apart from the 28 other NBA teams, the Cavaliers and Warriors know they don’t have to put out maximum effort on a nightly basis to churn out wins in the regular season, and they often don’t. 
