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NBA: LeBron scores 51 to down Memphis

The Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, right, glances at the basket during the second half of their NBA game in Memphis, Tennessee, on Tuesday. PHOTO: AP

When the Cleveland Cavaliers need him, LeBron James is ready to deliver.

"King James" scored 25 of his season-high 51 points in the final quarter and overtime, carrying the Cavaliers to a 132-124 road victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.

James -- the league's top scorer at 29.8 per game -- made 18-of-28 field goals to tie the NBA season-high for points, set by Denver's Allen Iverson on Dec. 5 last year against the Los Angeles Lakers.

"Games are won in the fourth quarter, that's when my team looks to me to make plays," said James, who added nine assists and eight rebounds. "I don't feel pressure. I just try to go out there and make the best plays for our team. We don't want to win a game like this tonight. We don't like shoot-outs, but we will take it."

Daniel Gibson had 18 points for reigning Eastern Conference champion Cleveland (20-18) which shot 53 per cent in winning for the ninth time in the last 12 games.

Rudy Gay scored 30 points for Memphis (10-28) which lost its fifth in a row. Juan Carlos Navarro added 26 points with six three-pointers while Spanish countryman Pau Gasol had 19 points and 12 rebounds.

"LeBron is fantastic," Grizzlies head 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 go get free."

After Navarro nailed a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left in regulation, James, who had 16 in the period, missed the game-winning jumper at the buzzer as the teams went into overtime tied at 113.

In the extra five-minute session, James added nine points, including a three-pointer. But it was a triple by Damon Jones with 2:35 left that put the Cavaliers ahead for good, 119-117. James followed with a jumper and added four free throws in the final minute to seal the win.

Knicks 105, Wizards 93

In New York, the home side won consecutive games for only the third time this season by downing Washington.

Jamal Crawford scored 29 points for the Knicks, who were to go for their first three-game winning streak of the season yesterday at New Jersey.

The Knicks built a 22-point lead in the first half, then turned back every push by Washington, which had its three-game winning streak snapped.

Pistons 103, Raptors 89

In Auburn Hills, Michigan, Detroit bounced back from an embarrassing loss by beating Toronto.

Richard Hamilton scored a season-high 39 points for the Pistons, who responded after scoring just 65 points in being beaten by last-placed New York in their previous game.

Hawks 104, Nuggets 93

In Atlanta, the home team held off a late rally by Denver to win.

Joe Johnson scored 22 points for the Hawks.

Denver trailed by 25 early in the third quarter but cut the lead to eight points with 1:50 left. But Allen Iverson and J.R. Smith were ejected with 38.9 seconds left and the Nuggets could get no closer.

Magic 102, Bulls 88

In Orlando, Florida, Rashard Lewis scored 26 points to help Orlando rout Chicago.

Dwight Howard added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Magic, which had lost five of the previous six games.

76ers 111, Rockets 107

In Houston, Philadelphia rallied from 16 points down to beat Houston.

Andre Miller scored 26 points while Samuel Dalembert added 19 points and blocked a shot in the final seconds.

Warriors 105, Timberwolves 98

In Minneapolis, Baron Davis had 22 points, nine assists and a season-high five steals to lead Golden State past Minnesota.

Minnesota has lost three in a row.

Clippers 97, Suns 90

In Los Angeles, the home side knocked Phoenix out of first place in the Western Conference.
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