Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving (2) drives past Milwaukee Bucks' Tony Snell (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving (2) drives past Milwaukee Bucks' Tony Snell (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) Credit: Tony Dejak

The Associated Press

Cleveland — Kyrie Irving had 31 points and a career-high 13 assists, and LeBron James scored 29 as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their second game in two nights over the Milwaukee Bucks, 113-102 on Wednesday despite being without two starters.

The NBA champs were not at full strength as Kevin Love didn’t dress for the second straight game with a bruised left knee, and J.R. Smith sat out after breaking his right thumb on Tuesday at Milwaukee. Smith needs surgery, and the Cavs won’t have a timetable on his return until after the operation.

They were missed, but Cleveland’s two biggest stars more than made up for the absences as the Cavs won for the eighth time in nine games.

Timberwolves 92, Hawks 84

Atlanta — Andrew Wiggins scored 19 points, Karl-Anthony Towns had 17 points and 18 rebounds and Minnesota beat Atlanta.

Zach LaVine added 18 points for the Timberwolves, who earned consecutive wins for the first time since April 5-9.

Dennis Schroder finished 21 points and Paul Millsap had 18 points and 10 rebounds for Atlanta, which has lost six of seven at home.

Grizzlies 98, Pistons 86

Auburn Hills, Mich. — Marc Gasol matched a career high with 38 points on 14-of-17 shooting, and Memphis beat Detroit in a matchup of slumping teams.

The Grizzlies ended their three-game losing streak, while Detroit dropped its fourth straight.

Thunder 121, Pelicans 110

New Orleans — Russell Westbrook had 42 points and 10 rebounds, and Oklahoma City beat New Orleans.

Alex Abrines scored nine of his 18 points during a pivotal 11-0 run early in the fourth quarter.

Wizards 107, Bulls 97

Chicago — John Wall had 23 points and nine assists, and the Wizards rallied past Chicago for their third road victory of the season.

Trey Burke and Marcus Thornton came off the Washington bench to spark a decisive fourth-quarter burst.

After the teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 77, Burke and Thornton combined for 10 points to give the Wizards a 91-85 lead.

Chicago closed to 97-93 with less than 3 minutes left, but Bradley Beal, Marcin Gortat and Wall followed with baskets to seal it.