Landmark day for LeBron as Cavs too hot for the Heat
Another day, another landmark for LeBron James as the Cleveland Cavaliers romped to victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA on Friday.
LeBron James moved up to ninth in the NBA's all-time scoring list as the Cleveland Cavaliers routed the Miami Heat 114-84 on Friday.
James netted 27 points in the win over his former side - with whom he won two NBA titles - to overtake Elvin Hayes in the standings.
The 31-year-old now has 27,315 points, with Moses Malone (27,409) next in his sights.
Victory improved the Cavs to 16-5 this season, while the Heat are struggling on 7-16.
LEBRON TURNS UP THE HEAT ON MIAMI
Alongside his 27 points, James had eight rebounds and eight assists in another impressive display.
It will have been an all-too familiar story for Heat fans, who were treated to four golden years of James in their colours between 2010 and 2014.
It was not all about James, though, Kevin Love contributing 28 points and Kyrie Irving 23.
MAGNIFICENT SEVEN FOR WESTBROOK
Away from James' landmark outing, there was another remarkable display from the Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook against the Houston Rockets.
The point-guard claimed 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his seventh consecutive triple-double and 12th of the season.
He is the first man to achieve seven straight since a certain Michael Jordan managed it in 1988-89.
HARDEN HAS THE LAST LAUGH
But ultimately, Westbrook's feat counted for little as the Thunder were outdone 102-99 by the Rockets.
James Harden was the star for the victors, almost matching Westbrook with a triple-double of his own (21-9-12) as the Rockets moved to 16-7.
DRUMMOND STARS IN PISTONS WIN
Andre Drummond enjoyed a fruitful outing, recording 22 points and as many rebounds as the Detroit Pistons defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-90.
Elsewhere, there were wins for the Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks and the Dallas Mavericks.
The New York Knicks edged a thrilling encounter 103-100 against the Sacramento Kings, while the Phoenix Suns also took the spoils in a high-scoring affair, 119-115 over the Los Angeles Lakers.
CURRY AND THE WARRIORS BACK IN ACTION
On Saturday, Steph Curry's Golden State Warriors take on the Memphis Grizzlies, while James and the Cavs go head to head with the Hornets.