James hits 31 as Cavaliers silence SuperSonics

NEW YORK (Reuters) – LeBron James poured in a game-high 31
points, including 11-of-11 from the free-throw line, as the
Cleveland Cavaliers rolled to a 112-85 win over the Seattle
SuperSonics Wednesday at Quicken Loans Arena.

Larry Hughes contributed 13 points to the Cleveland cause
while Donyell Marshall had 13 points and nine rebounds as
Cavaliers won for the third time in five games this season.

The Cavaliers were helped by a near-perfect night from the
free-throw line, making a franchise-record 28 consecutive
attempts before their first miss.

Ray Allen nailed 28 points for the SuperSonics in a losing
effort while Ronald Murray had 15.

Cleveland took early command, jumping out to a 34-26
first-quarter lead, and built on their advantage in the second
to take a 65-43 cushion into the intermission.

The SuperSonics attempted to rally in the third with a 12-5
run that trimmed the lead to 76-60, but would get no closer as
the Cavaliers took an 89-67 lead into the final quarter.

In Philadelphia, Allen Iverson hit a game-high 25 points
and Andre Iguodala added 22 points, seven rebounds and five
assists to guide the 76ers to a 112-97 win over the Dallas
Mavericks.

Kyle Korver drained 20 points and Chris Webber chipped in
with 19 points and 11 rebounds for the 76ers, who registered
their second consecutive win after opening the season with
three losses.

In Indianapolis, Ron Artest scored 24 points and Jermaine
O’Neal added 17 and grabbed eight rebounds to help the Pacers
to a 95-90 win over the Miami Heat.

Dwyane Wade scored 29 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and
dished out six assists for the Heat, who continue to play
without injured Shaquille O’Neal.

In East Rutherford, Vince Carter had a game-high 21 points
and Nenad Krstic contributed 18 points and six rebounds as the
New Jersey Nets eased past the Utah Jazz 91-83.

Andrei Kirilenko paced the Jazz with 18 points.

In Minneapolis, Kevin Garnett scored 17 points and pulled
down 15 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves dumped the Los
Angeles Lakers 88-74.

Kobe Bryant paced the Lakers with 28 points.

In Washington, Elton Brand scored 31 points and snared 13
rebounds as the Los Angeles Clippers edged the Wizards 102-97,
handing Washington their first loss of the season.

In Boston, Ricky Davis hit the game-winning jumper as time
expired and Paul Pierce had a game-high 29 points, guiding the
Celtics past the Memphis Grizzlies 99-98.

In Charlotte, Tim Duncan scored 29 points and snared 10
rebounds while Tony Parker chipped in with 23 points and dished
out six assists, sparking the NBA champion San Antonio Spurs to
a 94-86 win over the Bobcats.

In Oklahoma City, Steve Francis had 24 points and snared
eight rebounds as the Orlando Magic downed the New Orleans
Hornets 88-83.

In Chicago, Kirk Hinrich had a game-high 23 points and
Michael Sweetney hit a pair of clutch free throws with less
than seven seconds to play to lift the Bulls to an 85-84 win
over the Golden State Warriors.

In Portland, Zach Randolph scored 29 points and grabbed 12
rebounds and Darius Miles chipped in with 26 as the Trail
Blazers downed New York 95-83 to keep the Knicks winless this
season.

In Denver, Marcus Camby hit 20 points, hauled in 11
rebounds and blocked six shots, leading the Nuggets to a 107-91
victory over the Sacramento Kings.