James’ big night leads Cavs to OT win
LeBron James scored a season-high 51 points, including 25 in the fourth quarter and overtime, to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 132-124 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night in Memphis, Tenn.
It was the fourth time the league’s leading scorer has reached 50 points in his career.
“When we win, it means a lot. Every point counted tonight,” said James, who is averaging 29.8 points. “I’ve lost a couple of games scoring 50 points, and I didn’t like it too much. To have that accomplishment, and win the ballgame, means a lot.”
James made 18 of 28 shots and had nine assists and eight rebounds as the Cavaliers handed the Grizzlies their fifth straight loss. James’ career high is 56 points against Toronto in March 2005. The 51 points matched the best scoring performance in the NBA this season. Denver’s Allen Iverson had 51 against the Lakers on Dec. 5.
“LeBron is fantastic,” Memphis coach Marc Iavaroni said. “I think he’s got more passing ability than Magic (Johnson) because he can put it on a dime and with zip. It’s a function of his ability to score. He allows people to get free. He’s 6-foot-9, and he can see.”
Rudy Gay scored 30 points to lead the Grizzlies.
76ers 111, Rockets 107: Andre Miller scored 26 points, Samuel Dalembert added 19 points and blocked a shot in the final seconds, and Philadelphia rallied from 16 points down to beat the Rockets in Houston.
Magic 102, Bulls 88: Rashard Lewis scored 26 points and Dwight Howard added 15 points and 11 rebounds to help the Magic rout Chicago in Orlando, Fla.
Warriors 105, Timberwolves 98: Baron Davis had 22 points, nine assists and five steals to lead Golden State over Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Hawks 104, Nuggets 93: Joe Johnson scored 22 points and the Hawks held off a late rally to beat Denver in Atlanta.
•Nuggets forward Nene underwent surgery to remove a testicular tumor, and a biopsy will determine if it was cancerous. The Brazilian player took an indefinite leave of absence Friday.
Knicks 105, Wizards 93: Jamal Crawford scored 29 points and the Knicks beat Washington in New York to give them consecutive victories for only the third time this season.
Pistons 103, Raptors 89: Richard Hamilton scored a season-high 39 points to lead Detroit past Toronto in Auburn Hills, Mich.
Clippers 97, Suns 90: Sam Cassell scored 32 on 15-of-21 shooting and added seven assists to lead the Clippers to a win over Phoenix in Los Angeles.
Shaq probable to play tonight
Miami Heat center Shaquille O’Neal is likely to play tonight against the Chicago Bulls as he attempts to come back from a hip injury that has sidelined him for eight games.