Cavs cool off Heat
LeBron James had little to say Thursday about the prospect of playing with Dwyane Wade next season, and that was fine. Having them on the same court was enough of a treat for now.
The two All-Stars put on a show in their first showdown of the season, and James scored 34 points to help the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Miami Heat 111-104.
Wade scored 36 points but couldn’t rally the Heat from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Mo Williams made five three-pointers and scored 25 points for the Cavs, while Shaquille O’Neal added 14 in a return to his former home court. J.J. Hickson, making his third consecutive start, had a career-high 18 points.
In the end, it was James leading the way. He scored Cleveland’s final eight points over the last 2:42. He finished with seven assists and went 16 for 18 from the free-throw line.
The Cavs’ point total is a season high. They won in Florida for the second time in as many nights after beating Orlando on Wednesday.
Michael Beasley scored 24 points for the Heat, who lost for only the second time.
James and Wade shared a long embrace just before tipoff, and they joked during a timeout near the end of the first half. They can opt out of their contracts next year, and on Wednesday, Wade said the pair have talked about going to the same team.
James then said he won’t discuss free agency with reporters any more until the end of the season. For now, at least, the two good friends entertain as opponents.
Wade made a three-pointer, blocked a shot and sank another shot to cut the margin to 103-99 with three minutes left, but the Heat got no closer.