Author: Matt Eppers, USA TODAY

Kyrie Irving said a conversation with former teammate LeBron James helped him realize how he can be a better leader for the Celtics.

James Harden poured in 58 points two days after dropping 57, but the Nets rallied late in overtime to stun the Rockets, 145-142.

Kyrie Irving wouldn’t discuss his visible frustration with the Celtics’ final play, but he had plenty to say about the team’s overall struggles.

Already stumbling without the injured LeBron James, the Lakers had their worst shooting game of the season and lost a 108-86 rout to the T’wolves.

Golden State and Sacramento put on a shooting bonanza and set a single-game record with 41 combined 3-pointers in the Warriors’ 127-123 win.

Hours after the team announced LeBron James would miss at least another week, the Lakers crumbled down the stretch in a 119-112 loss to the Knicks.

Thomas Bryant scored 31 points on 14-for-14 shooting, the seventh game in NBA history in which a player made at least 14 field goals without a miss.

Markelle Fultz’s status has been the biggest— and strangest— mystery of the season. 76ers GM Elton Brand did little to shed any light on things.

Billy Crystal will be on the call Jan. 31 as part of a season-long tribute to Clippers broadcaster Ralph Lawler, who is retiring after 40 years.