(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-01-18 15:10

NEW YORK - LeBron James scored 27 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers got a measure of revenge with a 90-88 road victory over the defending champion San Antonio Spurs on Thursday in the teams's first meeting since last year's NBA finals.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, left, is defended by San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008. [Agencies]

Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 17 points and Anderson Varejao had 12 points and 14 rebounds in the Cavaliers's third consecutive win.

Manu Ginobili had 31 points for the Spurs, who swept the Cavaliers in four games for the NBA title last season.

Tony Parker contributed 23 points but missed two free throws with 29 seconds to play that would have tied the score.

Tim Duncan added 20 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots.

James put the Cavaliers ahead to stay at 90-88 on a layup with 33 seconds to play.

Parker missed two free throws four seconds later and after James missed a three-point attempt with five seconds left, Ginobili grabbed the rebound and raced down court.

But he missed a jumper from the free throw line to end the game.