James upstaged by Heat, Thunder topple Spurs

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After four seasons and two NBA championships in Miami, James made his way back to the AmericanAirlines Arena for the first time since swapping the Heat for the Cleveland Cavaliers in July but his former employers had the last laugh as they won 101-91.

James was nine-of-16 from the field for 30 points and eight assists on a night that belonged to ex team-mate Dwyane Wade and the Heat.

Wade posted a game-high 31 points as the Heat (14-16) rebounded from their capitulation at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.

Of Wade's 31 points, 24 were registered in a dominant first half, which saw the Heat outscore the Cavs by 13.

Luol Deng contributed 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Chris Anderson (12) was the only other Heat player to make score double-digit points.

The Cavs (17-11) had 25 points from Kyrie Irving and 14 from big man Kevin Love.

It was a case of no Kevin Durant, no worries for the Thunder, who downed defending champions the Spurs 114-106 in San Antonio.

Durant missed his fourth consecutive game due to a sprained ankle but trusty team-mate Russell Westbrook produced the goods in the reigning MVP's absence, shooting 34 points and 11 assists in a double-double performance.

Trailing by two points heading into the final quarter, Westbrook sparked a 20-7 run in fourth, scoring 15 of those points to lead the Thunder past the Spurs.

Serge Ibaka (21 points), Steven Adams (16 points, 15 rebounds) and Perry Jones (14 points) made solid contributions for the Thunder (14-16).

The Spurs (18-12) had seven players with double-digit points, including Tim Duncan (15 points) and Manu Ginobili (11 points, 13 assists).

Pau Gasol enjoyed a happy reunion with the Los Angeles Lakers, helping the Chicago Bulls to a 113-93 home win.

Gasol posted his 17th double-double of the season with 23 points and 13 rebounds to give the in-form Bulls (20-9) a fifth straight win.

The Spanish forward was assisted by Jimmy Butler (21) and Derrick Rose (20), who combined for 41 points.

Missing Kobe Bryant, the Lakers (9-20) were led by Wesley Johnson and his 19 points.

John Wall was at his brilliant best, dishing up 24 points and 11 assists as the Washington Wizards accounted for the hapless New York Knicks 102-91.

Meanwhile, the high-flying Golden State Warriors lost 100-86 to the Los Angeles Clippers.

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