NBA – Clippers, Hawks earn big wins on Thanksgiving

LOS ANGELES (NBA) - The Los Angeles Clippers are riding a two-game winning streak after beating Sacramento on Thanksgiving Thursday.

With Blake Griffin, the number pick of the 2009 NBA Draft, pouring in 25 points and hauling in 15 rebounds, the Clippers beat the Kings 100-82 to improve to 3-13 on the campaign.

Eric Gordon, a gold-medal winner with Team USA at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey, led the Clippers with 28 points.

The Atlanta Hawks flew past the Washington Wizards, 116-96.

Josh Smith finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks for Atlanta, who improved to 9-7.

The Wizards fell to 5-9 and 0-7 on the road.

Extra security for James’ return to Cleveland

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the NBA, meanwhile, are preparing for next week's big game at the Quicken Loans Arena against the Miami Heat - the first time back to the arena for former Cavs hero LeBron James.

Security will be heavy at the December 2 clash, both uniformed and undercover.

There will be extra security behind the Heat bench and beside the tunnel to ensure James' safety.

James, a gold-medal winner with Team USA at the 2008 Olympics, drew the ire of Cleveland fans when he went on national television this summer and announced he was leaving the team for Miami.

Crude and offensive T-shirts aimed at James that have been in circulation in the city will not be allowed in the arena.

Cleveland have gotten off to a 6-8 start in James’ absence while the Heat are a disappointing 8-7.

FIBA