NBA: LeBron miss boosts Rockets over Cavs
Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) heads for the bench after missing two free throws as Houston Rockets’ Josh Smith (5) celebrates in the final seconds of overtime in an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 1, 2015, in Houston. The Rockets won 105-103. AP
HOUSTON, United States — James Harden scored 33 points and LeBron James missed a pair of free throws with 4.2 seconds left in overtime, helping the Houston Rockets hold on for a 105-103 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.
James hit a 3-pointer with 43.5 seconds left to get Cleveland within one. Harden and James got tangled up on Houston’s next possession, but no foul was called and the shot clock expired.
James drove into the lane and was fouled by Josh Smith, but missed both free throws to finish 3 for 11 at the line. Harden, who had his 26th 30-point game this season, added a free throw and Cleveland missed a 3 at the buzzer.
James finished with 37 points after resting during Friday night’s loss at Indiana. He returned for a chippy contest that had multiple technicals and a flagrant foul by Harden on James.
The Cavaliers had a chance to win in regulation but James held the ball until right before the buzzer and his jump shot bounced off the rim.
Kevin Love had 21 points for the Cavaliers, who played their second game without point guard Kyrie Irving, who has a left shoulder strain.
The loss ended Cleveland’s 10-game winning streak against the Western Conference and prevented the Cavs from moving into first in the Central Division. Cleveland has won 18 of 22 but has dropped two straight.
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