March 18 , 2010
NBA- Cleveland Defeats Boston; James adds 30 points
By Ally White
Superstar LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to victory over the Boston Celtics 104-93. The pinnacle of James’ attack occurred in the second half of the game, when he scored 24 of his 30 points this Sunday.
The Cavs are the current leaders of the Eastern Conference with a 52-15 record. The win is their third straight and the 9th of their last 10 games. The Celtics, who lead the Atlantic 41-24, have not had straight wins yet.
This was LeBron’s first game since his time off due to an injury to his ankle. The return was a great one for the player, who some predict will be named MVP of the regular season for his impressive performances.
During the first quarter, Antawn Jaminson and JJ Hickson started strong for Cleveland, scoring the first 9 points while Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett added 4 for the Celtics. But then Boston had an 8-0 run with 5:57 left to put the score at 12-9. At the very end of the quarter, though, the Cavs managed to respond with an 8-0 run for themselves, finishing the first up by 6 points, 24-18.
Entering the second, the Celtics tried to cut the score but the Cavs were too ready and willing to amplify their advantage. They had a 10-4 run with 7:34 left in the quarter, setting the score 38-29. After the run, the teams engaged in a flurry of basket exchanges, but the Cavs maintained the 9-point advantage with 1:20 left to play. Just before halftime, however, the Celtics took 3 free throws with Paul Pierce, who closed the score to 6 points, 54-48.
In the third, Boston focused on reversing the score difference. In just the first five minutes, the team cut Cleveland’s advantage to just 2 points. However, James came to the Cavs’ rescue, scoring five points in a row, extending the lead to 5 points. Then Pierce and Allen each scored a three-pointer for the Celtics, bringing the game to 68-68 with 5:14. But James appeared again, this time with Powe, and between the two brought the game to 80-72 in favor of Cleveland.
In the fourth quarter, Cleveland started strong, scoring 10 points in a row with no answer from the Celtics. Boston tried to react to the 89-72 on the scoreboard, cutting the lead to 11 points. But James was unstoppable, scoring 9 points in the last 4:30 alone.
The Cavaliers won the game, 104-93.
"I was doing a lot of setting up [teammates] in the first half. I got my guys good looks and opportunities at the basket. But I had to be a little more assertive individually in the second half and attack some of the things I saw, but didn't attack, in the first half,” James said.
James noted that Anderson Varejo’s contribution both offensively and defensively was key for the team.
“On the other hand, that's Andy, that's what he does. You know he's going to be active, going to play his butt off every single game and give it his all.”
The best scorers for the Cleveland Cavaliers were LeBron James with 30 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists; Anderson Varejao with 17 points and 10 rebounds; Antawn Jamison with 15 points and 12 assists; Maurice Williams with 14 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds; and finally JJ Hickson with 12 points. For the Boston Celtics the best scorers were Ray Allen with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists; Kevin Garnett with 18 points and 7 rebounds; Paul Pierce with 18 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds; and ultimately Rajon Rondo with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.
About the Author
Ally White is a top senior copy writer on NBA games and sports action for the online sports betting site: http://www.instantactionsports.com
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