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James, Love carry Cavs to 107-93 victory over Knicks

Mar 27, 2016 - 3:32 AM NEW YORK (AP) LeBron James is feeling stronger as the season gets shorter.

If you don't believe him, ask Lou Amundson.

James had 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in his third triple-double of the season, Kevin Love added 28 points and 12 rebounds, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the New York Knicks 107-93 on Saturday night.

James also picked up a technical foul when he stared at Amundson after driving to the rim and ferociously dunking over the Knicks forward and Kristaps Porzingis.

''I haven't jumped out of my seat like that in a long time,'' Love said. ''I'm usually out of my seat, clapping, yelling, but I ran with J.R. (Smith) to about, almost to the basket. That was impressive. That was a strong man there.''

Even with Kyrie Irving resting, the Cavaliers easily bounced back from a loss in Brooklyn on Thursday, shutting the Knicks down in the first half.

Smith finished with 13 points in the Cavs' sixth straight victory over the Knicks.

Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points after a brutal start for the Knicks, who were coming off a home-and-home sweep of Chicago. Porzingis had 19.

James recorded his 42nd career triple-double and moved within three points of Dominique Wilkins for 12th place on the NBA's scoring list.

''Before the game he just talked about he feels great, he's getting stronger as the season winds down, so that's a big plus for us,'' Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said.

James made it clear Saturday morning he believes the Cavs have enough to win the title, and they looked it during a dominant first half. They held the Knicks to 15 points in the first quarter and 17 in the second, with James and Love taking turns carrying the offense as Cleveland took a 24-point lead.

Anthony missed 10 of his first 11 shots but turned it around in the second half. He said he had fun competing against James, his longtime friend.

''I wish I could have won but it's definitely fun to go out there and compete knowing he's going to battle, I'm going to battle,'' Anthony said. ''His team won tonight but those nights competing against him are always fun.''

Anthony made four 3-pointers in the third quarter but the Knicks couldn't really get close enough to have a realistic chance of winning. And making a rally just brought out James' fiercest, with his dunk in the third quarter.

''I was just in attack mode and understanding that they had two shot blockers at the rim and just try to finish strong at the rim,'' James said. ''I have the ability to do that at times and we needed a bucket.''

Matthew Dellavedova scored 10 points starting in place of Irving, and Mo Williams had eight in his first game in about a month after returning from a left knee injury.

TIP-INS

Cavaliers: Tristan Thompson tied Jim Chones' club record by appearing in his 361st consecutive game. ... Lue said he also wanted to find some rest for Dellavedova, who battled dehydration and cramping during last year's NBA Finals.

Knicks: Anthony finished 9 for 24 and grabbed nine rebounds. ... The Knicks have lost five straight at home to the Cavs.

LIKING LOVE

Knicks interim coach Kurt Rambis coached Love in Minnesota, helping the forward expand his offensive game.

''You could see all the potential and where he was and where he could be,'' Rambis said, ''and again somebody that could take bigger players away from the basket and knock down shots, and take smaller players inside and post up.''

NO DECISION

After James' comments in a Bleacher Report story this week saying he hoped he could play with Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade sometime in his career, Anthony said three of them could play together this summer as U.S. Olympic teammates. James still hasn't decided if he will go for a third straight gold medal. He's said previously it might be a joint decision with Anthony and Paul - Wade has retired from national team play - but they haven't had a deep discussion yet.

''We talk about everything,'' James said. ''But this summer has been brought up a little bit, but as far as decisions, haven't really been talked about.''

UP NEXT

Cavaliers: Host Houston on Tuesday.

Knicks: Visit New Orleans on Monday.