James helps Cavaliers beat Nets 94-86

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ: One of the largest crowds of the season showed up at the Izod Center, with many fans awaiting LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal.

The Cleveland Cavaliers hope some noticed Anderson Varejao.

James had 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, Varejao provided a boost at both ends and the Cavaliers beat the New Jersey Nets 94-86 on Saturday for their seventh straight victory.

"I thought Andy's energy was terrific in the second half," Cleveland coach Mike Brown said. "His defense is always great, his energy was terrific and he sparked us to this win."

Varejao had 15 points and 12 rebounds. Brown said before the game Varejao should be considered for the All-Defensive team, and his Brazilian reserve forward then helped hold China's Yi Jianlian to 11 points on 2-of-13 shooting after he averaged 22.5 points in his previous four games.

"I'm amazed on how he's able to keep that level of play up," James said. "He plays hurt and he plays injured and to keep that level up to play every single game is very impressive."

Mo Williams added 18 points for the Cavaliers, who have won 12 of 13. They have defeated some of the NBA's top teams during their winning streak but struggled against the league's worst for much of this game, leading by only four with 4 1/2minutes left.

James then put it away, throwing down a dunk and setting up Daniel Gibson for a 3-pointer and an 86-77 lead with 3:05 remaining. Anthony Parker then went to the floor to come up with a loose ball and threw it ahead to a streaking James, who somehow managed to score while two Nets were trying to foul him. His three-point play made it 89-77 with 2:40 to go.

"I think we played very hard," Nets coach Kiki Vandeweghe said. "I think they showed why they are playing the best basketball of anybody in the NBA."

O'Neal finished with 12 points and nine boards for the Cavs, who outrebounded the Nets 52-38 and had 16 offensive rebounds.

Devin Harris scored 22 points and Brook Lopez 20 for the Nets, who started strong before the Cavs who lead the league in field goal percentage defense, began to control the NBA's worst offensive team.

The Nets fell to 3-30, but the good news is it's finally 2010, when they're hoping to be able to transform the franchise. They could have the most money to offer this summer's free-agent class, expected to be highlighted by James.

AP

(China Daily 01/04/2010 page23)