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James inspires Cavs to big win over slumping Celtics
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-10 15:38

LOS ANGELES - An inspirational LeBron James scored 38 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to an emphatic 98-83 home victory over the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics on Friday.

The All-Star forward filled out the stat-sheet with seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks as Cleveland improved their league-best record to 29-6.

The struggling Celtics (29-9) were led by Kevin Garnett, who had 18 points and 15 rebounds, but could not prevent his team from losing for a fourth straight game and for the seventh time in the last nine contests.

Last season, the Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 4-3 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-finals, but an improved Cleveland appears ready to lay claim to the conference crown.

Mo Williams, acquired in the off-season to provide the team with added scoring, had 13 points while Anderson Varejao had 14 and nine rebounds as the Cavaliers lifted their perfect home record to 19-0.