CLEVELAND — Tony Allen returned from a knee injury to score a season-high 26 points, and the Memphis Grizzlies stunned the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 106-103 victory Monday night despite playing short-handed.
The Grizzlies were without five rotation players, including their three best, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Zach Randolph, yet they still managed to beat the best team the East. The Cavs committed a season-high 25 turnovers.
Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving had a chance to force overtime, but his 3-pointer at the buzzer bounced off the back of the iron. Irving scored 27 points, including 14 in the fourth period, and gave the Cavs their first lead with 2:39 remaining.
JaMychal Green had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Grizzlies, and Mario Chalmers had 17 points and seven assists while starting in place of Conley. LeBron James finished with 28 points, nine rebounds and five assists, and Kevin Love had 14 points and 11 rebounds for Cleveland.
Pacers 99, Spurs 91
INDIANAPOLIS — Monta Ellis scored 26 points, including 21 in the second half, and Indiana defeated San Antonio. The Spurs had an eight-game winning streak snapped and were without coach Gregg Popovich, who was home with an ailing family member.
Paul George added 23 points, including two free throws with 15.7 seconds remaining to give Indiana a 97-91 lead.
Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge each scored 23 for San Antonio, and Patty Mills came off the bench for 17. The Spurs shot a season-low 35.4 percent.
Hornets 108, Timberwolves 103
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kemba Walker scored 34 points, and Charlotte earned its fifth consecutive win and 10th time in 12 games.
Al Jefferson came off the Hornets’ bench to add 20 points, Marvin Williams scored 15, and Nicolas Batum scored 11. Walker added seven rebounds and six assists.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 28 points and 14 rebounds for Minnesota, which lost for the fourth time in five games. The Timberwolves also got 25 points from Andrew Wiggins.