BEIJING, Dec. 30 -- Cleveland's LeBron James outplayed high-scoring Miami
rival Dwyane Wade to help the Cavaliers beat the Heat 93-86 on Sunday for their
16th consecutive home victory.
James scored 11 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter to rally the
Cavaliers (26-4) from a 10-point deficit.
"You have to challenge yourself mentally to do it on both ends," James, who
had six rebounds and nine assists, said after applying pressure on the Heat both
offensively and defensively.
"I have to do it on both ends for our team to be successful and I have no
problem with that."
Wade finished with 29 points and eight assists for the Heat, who had won
four successive games before Sunday's contest. He had 10 consecutive Miami
points at one point in the third quarter but was slowed by James in the fourth.
"Good defensive teams make you earn all your buckets," Wade said. "That's
what it came down to."
The two teams played on even terms for the first half, which ended with
Cleveland ahead 44-42 behind James's 20 points.
But Miami shut down the Cavaliers in the third period, holding the hosts to
14 points while scoring 25 to lead 67-58 at quarter's end.
The margin was 10 points early in the fourth before James sparked an 18-2
run.
Mo Williams added 20 points and Ben Wallace had 14 rebounds and three
blocked shots for Cleveland.
Udonis Haslem, with 15 points, and Daequan Cook, with 12, were the only
other Miami players in double figures.
(Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies)