Feb 14, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) looks on during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 116-108. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
MINNEAPOLIS — LeBron James and Kyrie Irving each scored 25 points, and James added 14 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away for a 116-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Cavaliers withstood a big night by Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins, who scored 41 points. It matched Wiggins’ second-highest point total of the season.
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.
A step-back 3-pointer by James and a fast break layup by former Timberwolves player Derrick Williams pushed Cleveland’s lead to 114-106 with 1:39 to play. That essentially sealed the win for the Cavaliers.
Bulls 105, Raptors 94
CHICAGO — Jimmy Butler scored 19 points in his return to action — including seven free throws in the final 1:48 — as Chicago held off a late Toronto rally for a victory.
Butler, who last played Feb. 10 and was sidelined with a right heel contusion, played 38 minutes and hit 15 of 19 free throws as the Bulls snapped a three-game losing streak. He was 2 for 10 from the field. Doug McDermott scored 20 points for Chicago.
The Raptors, who fell for the 11th time in the past 15 games, are 0-11 against the Bulls since late 2013. Kyle Lowry scored 22 points, and DeMar DeRozan had 18 for Toronto.
