Three Christmas Day games were on Tuesday's National Basketball Association schedule, a day which has become somewhat of an annual showcase for some of the league's best teams and players.
In Cleveland, the host Cavaliers defeated the Miami Heat, 96-82. Cleveland superstar LeBron James scored 25 points Tuesday while teammate Drew Gooden added 18 and Daniel Gibson had 16.
Cleveland's defense helped seal the win and hold Miami star Dwyane Wade scoreless for much of the second half. Wade still finished with 22 points. Cleveland has 13 wins and 16 losses, while Miami drops to a record of 8-20.
In Los Angeles, the Lakers were able to hold off the high-scoring Phoenix Suns, 122-115. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with a game high 38 points, 26 of which came in the second half. Teammate Andrew Bynum added a career-high 28 points and 12 assists. Phoenix point guard Steve Nash led the Suns with 24 points.
And in Portland, the host Trail Blazers won their 11th straight game with an 89-79 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics. Brandon Roy and Jarrett Jack each scored 17 points for Portland, which improved to 16-12.
Joel Przybilla added a season-high 16 rebounds for the Trail Blazers. Rookie Kevin Durant led Seattle with 23 points.
Portland's 11 straight victories mark the longest current winning streak in the NBA and the best stretch for the Trail Blazers since they won 12 straight during the 2001-2002 season.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.