NBA: James shines as Cavs withstand big night from Wiggins

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James, lays up as Minnesota Timberwolves’ Ricky Rubio of Spain defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, in Minneapolis. The Cavaliers won 116-108. James and Kyrie Irving led their team’s scoring with 25 points each. AP

MINNEAPOLIS, United States — LeBron James and Kyrie Irving each scored 25 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers withstood a huge night from Andrew Wiggins to record a 116-108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Canada’s Wiggins finished with a game-high 41 points for the Timberwolves which equaled his second-highest point total this NBA season.

James also had 14 assists for Cleveland who sealed their 38th win of the season with 1:39 remaining when ex-Timberwolves player Derrick Williams finished off a fast break layup. The layup came just moments after James nailed a step back three pointer.

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Wiggins had help from Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Gorgui Dieng added 12 points, but no other Timberwolves player reached double figures in scoring.

Wiggins got the Timberwolves back in the game Tuesday, sparking a rally after Irving hit a three pointer halfway through the third quarter to give Cleveland a 14-point lead.

Wiggins tallied 19 points in the third quarter.

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Cleveland had to make due without forward Kevin Love, who had surgery on his left knee on Tuesday and will be sidelined for six weeks. Love was averaging 20 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Channing Frye helped fill the void by chipping in with 21 points. Tristan Thompson also contributed to the offence by adding 14 points and 11 rebounds.

This is the Cavaliers’ second win over Minnesota in a two-week span. The Cavaliers beat the Timberwolves 125-97 on February 1. CBB