CLEVELAND -- Carmelo Anthony scored 40 points, including the winning basket, and Denver overcame LeBron James' monstrous night to end the Cavaliers' 13-game winning streak with a 118-116 victory in overtime Thursday night in coach George Karl's first game since revealing he has neck and throat cancer.
"I think he's happy," Anthony said of Karl. "This boosted his spirit up a lot. In the back of our mind, we know his situation. We're playing for him."
James had his triple-double by the end of regulation, and became the first NBA player with at least 43 points, 13 rebounds, 15 assists, two steals and four blocks, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
James is also the first player to have at least 40 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds in a game since Oscar Robertson had 42 points, 18 assists and 15 rebounds Feb. 13, 1962.
Anthony matched James shot for shot, hitting the winner on a deep jumper with 1.9 seconds left.
"It's finally me being on the other end, I guess," James said. "I'm so used to being on the other end making shots and looking at guys. It's a great player and a great shot. If I got any closer, I was going to foul him. Big shot."
Cleveland had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but James slipped while taking the inbound pass and his three-pointer rattled off the rim.
"It was a great game to watch, but I'm not sure it will go on my coaching résumé as very polished," Karl said. "We probably should have won the game a little easier. We kept giving them chances, and they kept taking advantage of them."
Karl likely will miss some games and practices while undergoing a rigorous six-week treatment program of radiation and chemotherapy, but he accompanied the Nuggets on their two-game trip after deciding against taking time off now.
"I think I need the gym and I need the juice of being happy about kicking someone's butt and preparing and watching video," Karl said.
Former Piston Chauncey Billups added 18 points and eight assists for Denver. Read More
source:freep.com
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