CLEVELAND — LeBron James scored 29 points, including 16 in the first quarter, and the Cleveland Cavaliers broke a four-game losing streak with a 106-74 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday night.

After bluntly assessing his own play at Monday’s shootaround, saying, “I stink,” James took control early and sparked his team to a much-needed comfortable win.

After averaging 18.5 points and shooting 41 percent from the field in the losing streak, James was 9 for 17 from the field Monday and tied a season high with 11 assists while not playing the fourth quarter.

James hit four shots from the field, including a 3-pointer, and made all seven of his free throws. He also had four assists in the opening period.

He finished the first half with 22 points, including a fadeaway jumper from the top of the key to end the second quarter.

Clippers 113, Hornets 92: Blake Griffin had 22 points and a season-high 16 rebounds, Chris Paul had 22 points and a season-high 15 assists and Los Angeles handed Charlotte its sixth straight loss.

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Griffin was 10 of 23 from the field and finished one assist shy of a triple-double.

Trail Blazers 114, 76ers 104: LaMarcus Aldridge had 15 of his 33 points during the pivotal third quarter to help visiting Portland beat Philadelphia, sending the 76ers to their 14th consecutive loss to open the season.

Wesley Matthews added 17 points, Damian Lillard had 17 and Robin Lopez chipped in 12 for Portland (11-3).

Bulls 97, Jazz 95: Jimmy Butler scored 25 points and Pau Gasol added 23 points and nine rebounds to lead Chicago to a victory over Utah.

Derrick Rose scored 18 points in his return to the Bulls’ lineup. Chicago beat the Jazz for ninth time in the last 12 games between the two teams.

Raptors 104, Suns 100: Jonas Valanciunas had a career-high 27 points and 11 rebounds, DeMar DeRozan scored 23 and Toronto won its fifth straight game, beating Phoenix in Toronto.

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Lou Williams scored 17, Kyle Lowry had 14 and Terrence Ross added 13 for the Raptors, who improved 9-1 at home.

Pacers 111, Mavericks 100: Donald Sloan scored 29 points and seven Indiana players scored in double figures in a victory over Dallas.

The Pacers led the entire second half, and set a season high in points.

ROCKETS 91, KNICKS 86: James Harden had 36 points to lead depleted Houston to a victory over slumping New York.


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