LeBron James scored 51 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers past Sacramento 126-123 in overtime on Friday in a matchup of Kings.
“King” James clearly had the best of the Sacramento Kings, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter to rally the Cavaliers from 14 points down and six more in overtime for Cleveland’s eighth win in nine games and fourth in a row.
The Cavaliers improved to 52-13, matching the Los Angeles Lakers for the best record in the league and clinching the Central Division title, while the Kings fell to a league-worst 14-51.
PHOTO: AP
While James had his streak of “triple doubles” — double-figure totals in three statistical categories — halted at three games, his dominance was enough to ensure Sacramento would not pull off an upset.
James, who added nine assists, fell just four points shy of his NBA career high but sparked Cleveland to only its second NBA division crown in club history, the first coming 33 years ago.
Not since Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan reeled off seven consecutive triple-doubles in April of 1989 has a player managed a streak of more than three in a row.
Anderson Varejao added 18 points and 12 rebounds for Cleveland, which also had 12 points from Wally Szczerbiak and 10 more from Mo Williams to keep Sacramento winless in 25 games this season against Eastern Conference rivals.
Kevin Martin scored 34 points for Sacramento while Bobby Jackson and Jason Thompson each had 19 points and Will Solomon contributed 18 in a losing cause.
James set the tone by scoring the first points in overtime after regulation play ended in a 116-116 deadlock, sinking a left-handed shot while being knocked to the floor.
The flamboyant playmaker followed with a free throw and a three-pointer for a 122-116 Cavaliers’ lead with 3:02 remaining.
Solomon’s three-pointer with 5.3 seconds remaining cut Cleveland’s lead to 124-123. The Kings fouled Williams, who hit two free throws to create the final margin, setting up a final three-pointer miss by Solomon with three seconds to play.
WARRIORS 119, MAVERICKS 110
In Oakland, California, Golden State put a dent in Dallas’ playoff run.
Stephen Jackson scored 31 points and Monta Ellis had season highs of 29 points and 11 rebounds for the Warriors.
The Mavericks had a three-game winning streak snapped.
ROCKETS 91, BOBCATS 86
In Charlotte, North Carolina, Houston closed on the leadership of the NBA’s Southwest Division by beating Charlotte despite blowing a late lead.
Yao Ming scored 23 points as Houston moved within one-and-a-half games of Southwest leader San Antonio. When Yao hit only the second straightaway three-pointer of his career, the Rockets looked to have the win in hand, leading 83-77 with just over two minutes to play, but the Bobcats roared back to take the lead.
Ron Artest hit a jump shot with 22 seconds left to put Houston back in front two free throws gave the visitors a three-point buffer. Artest then blocked a three-point attempt, picked up the ball and raced down court for a lay up that sealed the win.
HORNETS 95, BUCKS 86
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, New Orleans notched a ninth win in 10 games, beating the bucks.
Chris Paul scored 30 points and Rasual Butler hit a pair of late key three-pointers for the Hornets, who are half a game behind Houston in the Southwest.
In other games it was:
• Trail Blazers 109, Nets 100
• Celtics 102, Grizzlies 92
• Hawks 101, Pacers 87
• Magic 112, Wizards 103
• 76ers 104, Bulls 101
• Pistons 99, Raptors 95, OT
• Knicks 102, Timberwolves 94
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