James registers 62nd career triple double; Carter tallies season-high 24 points in 109-95 loss to Kings; Three takeaways

3. Vinsanty returns to elite form

Carter entered play without a double-digit scoring performance dating back to April 27, the final game of the 2016-17 regular season. He logged more than 30 minutes on the floor just once earlier in the 2017-18 campaign, serving more of a reserve role and acting as a veteran presence for young players like Skal Labissiere and De’Aaron Fox.

The 40-year-old’s role drastically changed in front a rejuvenated home crowd throughout the later stages of the third quarter and most of the fourth quarter.

Carter went 10-of-12 from the field and 4-of-5 from three-point range, scoring 24-or-more points for the first time since Mar. 13, 2017. The Kings continued to feed the hot hand, going on a 12-0 run to take a commanding 94-80 lead with eight minutes, 38 seconds left in regulation.

Korver splashed two three-pointers and Smith sunk his fifth three-pointer in the second half, but Carter’s seven points in the fourth quarter were too much to overcome.

John Alfes has covered Cleveland sports since August of 2016. Follow him on Twitter @JohnAlfes for breaking news and in-depth coverage all season long.

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