James powers Cavs’ victory in Memphis

Hill nets 18 against Grizzlies

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn.

LeBron James had 18 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists in his 11th triple-double of the season, and the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away after a slow start to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 112-89 on Friday night.

George Hill also scored 18 points, while Larry Nance Jr. finished with 15 and Jordan Clarkson had 14 as the newcomers had good nights in the Cavaliers’ fifth win in the last six games.

Tyreke Evans and JaMychal Green each had 15 points for Memphis, with Evans also dishing out 10 assists and Green grabbing 10 rebounds. Marc Gasol had 14 points and nine rebounds.

Cleveland trailed by double digits early, but outscored Memphis 58-40 in the second half, sending the Grizzlies to their eighth straight loss.

James was already under triple-double watch at halftime with 10 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Hill had 13 points as the Cavaliers erased a 13-point lead in the first half to carry a 54-49 lead into the break.

James reached his triple-double with about 4 minutes left in the third, leading to a 3-pointer by Cedi Osman. That was part of Cleveland outscoring Memphis 31-22 in a foul-filled third quarter, building the lead to double digits and holding an 85-71 advantage into the fourth.

Memphis never threatened the rest of the way.

Clarkson was cut under his right eye in the second quarter, but returned in the fourth.

James has played in all 58 Cleveland games this season

Played their only road game out of the first seven following the All-Star break.