LeBron ejected after bloodying Stewart, Lakers beat Pistons
UNDATED (AP) — LeBron James was ejected early in the third quarter after drawing blood by hitting Isaiah Stewart in the face, leaving Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook to rally the Los Angeles Lakers to a 121-116 victory over the Detroit Pistons.
Davis had 30 points, 10 rebounds and two big blocked shots late on Pistons 20-year-old rookie Cade Cunningham. Westbrook contributed 26 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds.
Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, had 13 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists to become the youngest player in franchise history with a triple-double.
James and Stewart were tangled up while boxing out for a rebound. James’s left elbow and hand appeared to make contact with Stewart above the neck, sending him into a bloody rage. Detroit’s center had to be held back more than once, keeping him separated from the NBA superstar. Stewart was also ejected.
In other NBA games:
— Stephen Curry was back and the Golden State Warriors beat the Toronto Raptors 119-104. But they were led by Jordan Poole, who had 33, including eight 3-pointers. Curry scored just 12 points but had eight assists, after sitting out a game with a sore hip.
— Cam Johnson scored a career-high 22 points, Deandre Ayton added 21 and the fast-starting Phoenix Suns ran their winning streak to 12, routing the short-handed Denver Nuggets 126-97. The Suns scored 48 points in the first quarter for a 20-point lead, hitting 7 3-pointers.
— DeMar DeRozan had 31 points, Zach LaVine added 21 and The Chicago Bulls rallied in the fourth quarter for a 109-103 victory over the New York Knicks. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 31 points.
— Paul George scored 12 of his 29 points in the third quarter as the Los Angeles Clippers ended a two-game losing skid with a 97-91 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks played their third consecutive game without star Luka Doncic (DAHN’-chihch), who is on the mend from a sprained left knee and ankle.
Kings fire coach Luke Walton after 6-11 start to 3rd season
UNDATED (AP) — The Sacramento Kings have fired coach Luke Walton after getting off to a disappointing start in his third season in charge.
Walton had a 68-93 record in two-plus seasons as coach, failing to get Sacramento to the playoffs. Associate coach Alvin Gentry takes over on an interim basis.
