NBA: Irving sparks unbeaten Cavs despite Harden heroics

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) celebrates after a 3-point basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016 (Wednesday, Manila time), in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 128-120. (AP PHOTO

CLEVELAND, United States—Kyrie Irving scored 32 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers extended their unbeaten start to the season to 4-0 with a 128-120 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time).

Irving’s haul helped quell a spirited Rockets side who were driven on relentlessly by James Harden, who finished with 41 points in a losing effort.

Kevin Love added 24 points for the Cavs while talisman LeBron James weighed in with 19 points as Cleveland’s offensive linchpins delivered.

The victory means the reigning NBA Finals champions are 4-0 for the first time since the start of the 2000-2001 season 16 years ago.

But the Cavs were made to work hard for victory by Houston, who pulled to within three points of the home side with 1min 26 left in the fourth quarter before Cleveland rallied to pull clear.

“We let it get a little out of hand tonight, but we were able to calm ourselves down, get the lead, keep the lead and make big plays when we needed to,” Love said afterwards.

The game had bumped up its start time in order to avoid too much of an overlap with the Cleveland Indians’ quest for World Series glory.

The Indians were playing the Chicago Cubs in game six of Major League Baseball’s World Series needing a win to clinch the title.

Love was one of several Cavaliers players headed to the ball game to offer their support after the game.

“We believe in the Indians, Go Tribe!” Love said.

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