Reigning MVP Steph Curry led the Golden State Warriors past the Los Angeles Clippers, while LeBron James put up big numbers as the Cleveland Cavaliers won.

Back in action following the NBA All-Star weekend, it was business as usual for the Warriors, who defeated the Clippers 123-113 on Thursday.

Defending champions and Eastern Conference leaders the Cavaliers outlasted the New York Knicks 119-114 thanks to James and his triple-double.

The Houston Rockets spoiled DeMarcus Cousins' debut for the New Orleans Pelicans.

CURRY AND CO BLITZ CLIPPERS

The Clippers led 61-49 at half-time against the Warriors.

But the visitors were blown away by the Warriors in the third quarter after Golden State scored 50 points, outscoring their opponents by 24 points.

Curry had 35 points for the Warriors and Kevin Durant (25 points, 15 rebounds) posted a double-double, while Clippers pair Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford had 19 points apiece.

LEBRON LIFTS CAVS

James proved he is still the king after the trade deadline passed on Thursday.

The three-time NBA champion and four-time MVP posted 18 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds in the home win.

It was James' sixth triple-double of the season and the 48th of his career, while Kyrie Irving had 23 points.

Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 20 points.

COUSINS MAKES DEBUT FOR PELICANS

All-Star Cousins made his first appearance for the Pelicans since arriving from the Sacramento Kings but it did not go according to plan.

Despite 27 points and 14 rebounds, and 29 points from All-Star team-mate Anthony Davis, the Pelicans were routed 129-99 by the Rockets.

Lou Williams led the Rockets with 27 points, including seven three-pointers.

WARRIORS PUT ON THIRD-QUARTER CLINIC!

LIFE AFTER COUSINS, PISTONS WIN IN OT

No Cousins, no worries for the Kings, who beat the Denver Nuggets 116-100.

The Detroit Pistons overcame the Charlotte Hornets 114-108 in overtime and the Orlando Magic lost 112-103 to the Portland Trail Blazers.

SPURS, THUNDER IN ACTION

The San Antonio Spurs are at home to the Clippers on Friday, while the Oklahoma City Thunder travel to the Los Angeles Lakers.