James assists Cavs to 15th win in 16

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

LeBron James always takes pride in being efficient. His numbers Tuesday night were several steps beyond that.

James had 25 points and tied a career-high with 17 assists, as Cleveland defeated the Atlanta Hawks 123-114 — the Cavaliers’ 15th win in 16 games.

James, as he has done all season, turned in an almost error-free performance.

He was 11 of 13 from the field, had seven rebounds and two turnovers. James was given a standing ovation when he was removed from the game with 2:34 remaining.

The four-time MVP set the tone for the entire team. The Cavaliers hit a season-high 20 3-pointers, including nine in the first quarter. Cleveland had a season-high 35 assists.

“For me to get assists means somebody’s making shots,” James said. “That’s always been an enjoyment of mine to be able to see my teammates reap the benefits of the pass that I try to put on time and on target.”

Kyle Korver had 19 points, including six 3-pointers. Kevin Love, returning after missing a game with a hip injury, scored 17 points, all in the first half.

Love had 11 points in the first quarter after sitting out Saturday’s game against Philadelphia. He had 12 rebounds.

Cleveland’s ball movement kept Atlanta’s defenders scrambling all night in chasing the open man.

“Guys are sharing the ball extremely well,” James said. “When the ball is moving, energy is behind it and guys are in rhythm.”

“It’s a tried and true formula,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “You have a great player and you surround him with 3-point shooters. LeBron is obviously a great player and a great facilitator. We defended him pretty well but when we pressured the ball, he kicked it out for open shots.”

James is shooting 58 percent from the field and still makes a point of finding teammates.

“That’s just who I am,” he said. “I’ve never liked being a volume shooter. That’s just not my game. Me being efficient just helps our team ultimately.”

Atlanta fell to 6-21, the worst record in the league.