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National Sports Headlines: 12/26/15

Sports

December 26th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Golden State Warriors won a matchup of NBA finalists on Christmas Day as Draymond Green had 22 points and 15 rebounds in an 89-83 triumph over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers. Stephen Curry chipped in 19 points and Klay Thompson added 18 to help the Warriors improve to 28-1 this season, extending the best start in NBA history. LeBron James had a game-high 25 points for the Cavaliers, who ended a six-game winning streak by shooting 32 percent.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored 23 points and the Chicago Bulls ended a three-game skid by downing the Thunder 105-96 in Oklahoma City. Pau Gasol (pow gah-SAHL’) delivered 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Derrick Rose added 19 points to help the Bulls hand the Thunder just their second loss in 11 games. Kevin Durant contributed 29 points, nine boards and seven assists for the Thunder, while Russell Westbrook provided 26 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

MIAMI (AP) — Miami earned its seventh straight Christmas Day victory by downing the New Orleans Pelicans 94-88 in overtime. Chris Bosh finished with 30 points and 10 rebounds as the Heat improved to an NBA-best 10-2 on the holiday. The Pelicans lost despite Anthony Davis, who provided 29 points and 15 points.

HOUSTON (AP) — San Antonio’s seven-game winning streak is over after James Harden produced 20 points and nine assists in Houston’s 88-84 triumph over the Spurs. Dwight Howard finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds for the Rockets, while Terrence Jones came off the bench to added 14 points and six boards. Kawhi (kah-WY’) Leonard had 20 points and LaMarcus Aldridge added 18 for the Spurs, who fell to 25-6.

HONOLULU (AP) — Buddy Hield (HEE’-uld) and Jordan Woodward each set career highs for points as third-ranked Oklahoma knocked off Harvard 83-71 in the Diamond Head Classic title game. Hield finished with 34 points on 11 of 14 from the field and 9 of 10 from the free-throw line. Woodward was 9 of 13 from the field and 6 of 7 from the line as the Sooners shot 50 percent from the floor as the Sooners improved to 11-0.