LeBron James scored a season-high 44 points to help the Cleveland Cavaliers see off the improving Oklahoma City Thunder 102-89 on Sunday.
A 14-0 fourth-quarter run, fueled by James and a halfcourt shot from Mo Williams, finally broke the Cavaliers free of the Thunder, who had led by eight points in the first half.
“That was a big momentum-changer,” the Thunder’s Jeff Green said of the three-pointer that put the Cavaliers up 94-87. “It was a lucky shot. But those things happen. There’s nothing you can do about it.”
Williams had eight points, including back-to-back three pointers, and James six points in the spree as the Cavaliers held the Thunder without a point for more than six minutes.
“Any shot like that hurts,” Williams told reporters when asked about the halfcourt effort. “You think you have a big stop. You’re down only four. Then all of a sudden, you’re down seven. It takes the life out of you.”
James knocked down five three-pointers and had seven rebounds, six assists and four steals for the Central Division-leading Cavaliers, who improved to 17-7.
“He was in a zone, there was no doubt,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “You can’t do much about it. He’s one of the best players in the world. We couldn’t guard him any closer.”
Center Shaquille O’Neal was back in the line-up after getting hit in the face in Friday’s game against Portland and experiencing blurred vision. He played 18 minutes, had six rebounds, two blocked shots and five points.
HAWKS 130, NETS 107
At Atlanta, Maurice Evans scored 22 points, and Joe Johnson added 21 points and 10 assists to help Atlanta win its fourth straight.
GRIZZLIES 118, HEAT 90
At Miami, Rudy Gay scored a career-high 41 points and Marc Gasol made all seven of his shots on the way to a 16-point, 15-rebound effort as Memphis enjoyed a rare road win.
Gay made 15 of 28 shots, topping his previous career best by five points, and became just the fourth player since January 2007 to score at least 40 against Miami in a regular-season game.
RAPTORS 101, ROCKETS 88
At Toronto, Chris Bosh led Toronto with 27 points, Hedo Turkoglu had a season-high 23, and Jarrett Jack added 17, eight rebounds and eight assists as Toronto beat Houston.
Carl Landry scored 25 points for Houston and Luis Scola had 21 points and 15 rebounds.
In other NBA play, it was:
• San Antonio 115, LA Clippers 90
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