James, Cavs score 112-105 victory over Hornets; clinch Central Division title

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — LeBron James had 32 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, and the Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back from their worst defensive outing of the season with a 112-105 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. The Cavs clinched the Central Division title for the third year in a row.

Kyrie Irving added 26 points and Kevin Love had 15 points and 12 rebounds as the Cavaliers snapped Charlotte’s three-game winning streak and remained atop the Eastern Conference standings.

2014-15 ✔️
2015-16 ✔️
2016-17 ✔️#DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/cSU6SsPkcw

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 25, 2017

Charlotte was led by Kemba Walker, who had 28 points on five 3-pointers. Cody Zeller added 15 points and 11 rebounds.

The Cavaliers did it with defense.

After allowing 73 first-half points — and 70 in the paint — in a 126-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, the Cavaliers held the Hornets to 42 percent shooting from the field.

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