2015 NBA scores: LeBron James reminds the NBA he’s still on top and 3 other things we learned

James outdueled Stephen Curry and the NBA’s best team.

Feb 27, 2015, 12:55 PM UTC

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Curry is on an MVP trajectory this season, but Thursday LeBron James reminded him -- and everyone else -- that he’s still the NBA’s best player.

James’ superhuman effort led the Cavaliers to a home win against the West’s best, beating the Warriors, 110-99. James had a season-high 42 points, 11 rebounds and five assists while hitting 15 of his 25 shots. There was nothing the Warriors’ NBA-best defense could do to slow him down.

In fact, James had 38 points at the end of the third quarter before choosing to scale back his attack. By the end of three, Cleveland had built a 12-point lead and never let Golden State get too close in the final frame. It was a dominant performance, but no different than anything the Cavaliers have been doing of late. They’re 16-2 since Jan. 15 and James is at the heart of it. He’s back doing otherworldly things without anyone even blinking an eye.

He’s still the best player in the world. It’s true he started slower than usual and he had to sit with some nagging injuries, but you can’t strip that title away from him just because of that. It may be too late for James to enter the MVP race -- it’s a narrative-driven award, and his slow start has already simmered in people’s minds when they think of this season, even if he’s been statistically as good as ever.

But on the floor Thursday, James won the game and the respect back. He’s still the best.

3 other things we learned

The Suns earn an enormous win in overtime against the Thunder. To make the playoffs, Phoenix has to go through Oklahoma City, who recently passed them for the No. 8 seed and show no signs of slowing down, despite more Kevin Durant injury woes. But with no one else beating the Thunder, who had won seven straight, the Suns did it themselves. The end of regulation was bonkers, with Markieff Morris putting the Suns up with a three-point play, only to see Russell Westbrook answer back with his own. But the Suns stuck with it on their home court and got the one they really needed.

Russell Westbrook and Eric Bledsoe just wouldn’t stop one-upping each other. Another triple-double for Westbrook, his fourth this season and second in as many games. Bledsoe fell one assist shy himself, putting up 28 points on 11-16 shooting, 13 rebounds, nine rebounds and four blocks. Both made enormous plays down the stretch, although Westbrook -- 39 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, but 12-of-38 shooting -- gave himself plenty of chances. He will win Player of the Month in February and it’s not close, but Bledsoe got the best of him Thursday, one of what is hopefully many back-and-forth showdowns between those two.

Could the Grizzlies actually catch Golden State? With two losses this week, the Warriors’ once commanding lead in the Western Conference is down to three and a half games. They’re in the midst of a six-game road trip and have several games upcoming against playoff teams that will test them. However, it’s not like Golden State has suddenly fallen off the map, and three and a half games is still a big difference to overcome in the seven weeks remaining in the regular season. The two Warriors-Grizzlies games this season, March 27 and April 13, should prove to be very interesting.