James leads Cavs past Heat 111-104

[November 13, 2009]  MIAMI (AP) -- 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 3-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.

But 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 was 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 3-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. James answered with a 3-pointer, then made five free throws to make it 111-102 with 57 seconds to go as the arena quickly emptied.

Wade made the first highlight-footage contribution with a driving dunk over 6-foot-11 Anderson Varejao. They drew a double technical moments later for a heated exchange.

Wade sank a 3-pointer over James with 4 seconds left in the first quarter. James then hit a running 22-footer at the buzzer to put the Cavs up 35-33.

James missed his first five shots but still scored 15 points in the quarter.

Williams made seven consecutive shots during one stretch, and his 3-pointers helped the Cavs take a 92-84 lead into the final period.

NOTES: Michael Jordan watched sitting next to Heat president Pat Riley. They were two rows behind Scottie Pippen, who sat courtside. ... Wade scored at least 20 points for the 21st consecutive time, tying his franchise record.

[Associated Press; By STEVEN WINE]

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