Cleveland Cavaliers chalk up first win of pre-season, LeBron James sits out again

The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Dallas Mavericks 103-97 at Quicken Loans Arena on Monday in their final warm-up, avoiding a winless run to the season proper.

Trailing for much of the game, J.R. Smith led the Cavaliers' comeback with 13 of his team-high 19 points in the period following the half-time break as the hosts produced a 40-point third-quarter rally to move ahead.

LeBron James, watching on from the stands after receiving an anti-inflammatory injection for pain in his back last week, was unneeded by coach David Blatt and heads into the NBA opener with the Chicago Bulls having featured in two of seven pre-season games.

Dallas' John Jenkins top scored on the night with 26 points but Cleveland's widespread scoring did the damage in Ohio, with six players, including returning power forward Kevin Love, in double figures.

In Charlotte, the Hornets extended their pre-season record to 6-0 with a 94-86 win over the Chicago Bulls following a dominant fourth-quarter display with Kemba Walker chalking up a 22-point game haul.

Houston's 40-point fourth quarter helped the Rockets to a 120-100 win over the Pelicans despite New Orleans leading by seven points with 12 minutes to play.

The Boston Celtics beat the Brooklyn Nets 111-105 at TD Garden after an impressive display from point guard Terry Rozier, who notched 16 points, six assists and four rebounds.

In the day's other pre-season meeting, the Los Angeles Lakers topped the Portland Trail Blazers 104-102 despite Damian Lillard continuing his fine early-year form with 20 points.