UNDATED (AP) — There's a new leader in the NBA's Eastern Conference after the revamped Cleveland Cavaliers knocked the Boston Celtics out of the top spot.
LeBron James delivered 24 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds as the Cavs crushed the Celtics, 121-99 in Boston on Paul Pierce Day at TD Bank Garden. James overcame an early leg injury to score 13 points in the second quarter, eight coming in a 13-2 run that put Cleveland ahead by 10.
Jordan Clarkson scored 17 and George Hill had 12 in their first appearances since being acquired by the Cavs at the trade deadline last week.
Terry Rozier scored 21 with nine assists, for the Celtics, who have lost three of four to fall a half-game behind Toronto. Kyrie Irving scored 18 against his former team before sitting out the fourth quarter with the outcome long settled.
The Raptors took over the conference and Atlantic Division leads by winning their fifth in a row, a 123-103 rout of the Hornets. DeMar DeRozan had 25 points and eight assists for Toronto, while C.J. Miles chipped in 24 points on 6-for-9 shooting from 3-point range.
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)