LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives in for a layup against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday in Boston. Photo: CFP LeBron James scored 36 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers pounded rivals Boston to regain control of the Eastern Conference on Wednesday as Russell Westbrook's bid for NBA history was delayed.
The titanic battle between Cleveland and Boston - neck and neck at the top of the conference - never materialized as a fired-up Cavs roared to a 114-91 rout against a shellshocked Celtics.
The victory also gives the Cavs a useful psychological edge over the Celtics as the two teams gear up for the postseason.
""We played Cavs basketball tonight. When we do that, we're a pretty good team,"" said James, who finished just four assists shy of what would have been a third straight triple-double.
All of Cleveland's heavy hitters -delivered performances to silence the home crowd in Boston. Kevin Love finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds while Kyrie Irving chipped in with 19 points.
Another one-sided quarter in the third saw Cleveland race away to lead 90-66 with the Celtics powerless to halt the slide.
Isaiah Thomas led Boston's scorers with 26 points.
In Memphis, Russell Westbrook inspired the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 103-100 win over the Grizzlies with a 45-point display, but was left just one rebound short of setting a new single-season triple-double record.
A triple-double is the achievement of double-digit totals in three of the five key statistical categories - points, assists, rebounds http://www.calgaryflamesteamstore.com/adidas-craig-conroy-jersey , blocks and steals - and is regarded as a barometer of all-round versatility.
Westbrook's pursuit of Robertson's mark has captivated fans around the NBA this season