|
James lifts Cavaliers to victory over streaking Spurs
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-02-14 14:33
NEW YORK (Reuters) - LeBron James scored 44 points to help the Cleveland Cavaliers end the San Antonio Spurs's nine-game winning streak with a 101-87 win over the defending NBA champions at the Quicken Loans Arena on Monday.
Tim Duncan (21) watches as LeBron James (23) heads toward the basket during the 4th quarter of their NBA game in Cleveland, February 13, 2006. [Reuters] |
James shot 19-for-33 from the floor and added five assists and four steals for the Cavaliers (30-21), who won for the first time in three games.
Cleveland have struggled against the NBA's better teams this season, but turned in a solid effort against the Spurs, who had also won nine straight road games before this defeat.
As usual, James was the catalyst for the Cavaliers, posting his sixth 40-point game of the season.
"LeBron is one of the best players in this league when he is on his game," Cleveland coach Mike Brown told reporters.
"He willed himself to the rim and he willed this win for us."
James also spent a lot of time covering Tony Parker and as a result, the Spurs star point guard had a tough night, scoring just four points and committing seven turnovers.
"It was a bad combination for LeBron to be great and us giving up all those turnovers and offensive rebounds," San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich added.
The Cavaliers led 45-44 at the half, but took control in the third quarter and eventually built a 17-point lead at one stage in the fourth.
James scored 18 of his points in the third quarter and had 36 points by the time the fourth quarter started.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Cavaliers, while Drew Gooden chipped in with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
|
