CHICAGO (AP) — LeBron James became the youngest player to score 15,000 career points, breaking Kobe Bryant’s mark by about two years, and the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away late to beat the Chicago Bulls 92-85 on Friday night for their 12th win in 13 games.
James scored 13 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, giving him 15,026 in his career, and had 11 rebounds. He scored seven straight late in the game as Cleveland increased its lead to 10, sending the Bulls to their 10th straight loss.
Mo Williams added 18 points for the Cavaliers, who continued to roll without the injured Shaquille O’Neal. They’re 10-1 with their big man recovering from a thumb injury.
The Bulls hung close without the injured Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah, but matched their longest losing streak since November 2001 despite strong efforts by rookies Taj Gibson (20 points, 13 rebounds) and James Johnson (16 points).
