ducks
03-22-2006, 10:43 PM
Cleveland 120, Charlotte 118, OT
Cleveland 120, Charlotte 118, OT
Preview - Box Score - Recap
March 22, 2006
AP - Mar 22, 8:25 pm EST
More Photos
CLEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron James hit the first game-winning shot of his career with 0.9 seconds left in overtime, finishing with 37 points and his ninth career triple-double in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 120-118 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night.
James also had 12 assists and 11 rebounds as Cleveland beat the undermanned Bobcats and moved closer to securing its first playoff berth since 1998.
Raymond Felton scored 30 points to lead six players in double figures for Charlotte, which was without leading scorer Gerald Wallace and starting point guard Brevin Knight.
The winning shot came when James got the ball at the top of the key and dribbled into a rhythm before firing a 21-footer that rattled the rim and went in as his teammates mobbed him.
If not for James' crisp passing, he never would have had a chance to shoot the winner.
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Trapped by the Bobcats' swarming defense near midcourt in the final seconds of regulation, James found Flip Murray alone in the far corner for a 3-pointer and 104-all tie with 0.4 seconds to play.
James' final two assists set up Damon Jones and Murray for 3-pointers in overtime. A fast-break slam by James with 1:30 left put Cleveland ahead 116-111.
But Felton hit a 3 from the corner and seconds later added two free throws for yet another tie.
James, who went 16-for-23 from the line, followed with two free throws for a 118-116 lead. Felton then spun his way to the hoop to tie it for the final time at 118 with 20 seconds left.
Cleveland (39-29) has won three straight at home after a three-game road losing streak and is three wins shy of last season's total with 14 to play.
The Cavaliers lead Washington by four games in the battle for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and play three of their next four at home, where they are 25-10. The top four clubs in each conference get home-court advantage in the first round.
James improved to 6-0 over the second-year the Bobcats, but it wasn't easy. Charlotte battled back from a 13-point deficit early in the third quarter.
Drew Gooden and Murray scored 19 points apiece for Cleveland, which is undefeated in games where James gets a triple-double.
Notes
Cavs G Larry Hughes, who had finger surgery Feb. 14, is "progressing fine," according to coach Mike Brown. Hughes remains on a timetable of 8-10 weeks to return, which could enable him to play in the playoffs. ... The Bobcats are 6-29 on the road and have lost 18 of their last 20 away from home. ... Charlotte used its 24th different starting lineup, second only to New York this season. ... Wallace, who had 27 points Tuesday night, sat out with a sore left calf. Knight missed his second straight game with a groin strain.
Cleveland 120, Charlotte 118, OT
Preview - Box Score - Recap
March 22, 2006
AP - Mar 22, 8:25 pm EST
More Photos
CLEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron James hit the first game-winning shot of his career with 0.9 seconds left in overtime, finishing with 37 points and his ninth career triple-double in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 120-118 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night.
James also had 12 assists and 11 rebounds as Cleveland beat the undermanned Bobcats and moved closer to securing its first playoff berth since 1998.
Raymond Felton scored 30 points to lead six players in double figures for Charlotte, which was without leading scorer Gerald Wallace and starting point guard Brevin Knight.
The winning shot came when James got the ball at the top of the key and dribbled into a rhythm before firing a 21-footer that rattled the rim and went in as his teammates mobbed him.
If not for James' crisp passing, he never would have had a chance to shoot the winner.
ADVERTISEMENT
Trapped by the Bobcats' swarming defense near midcourt in the final seconds of regulation, James found Flip Murray alone in the far corner for a 3-pointer and 104-all tie with 0.4 seconds to play.
James' final two assists set up Damon Jones and Murray for 3-pointers in overtime. A fast-break slam by James with 1:30 left put Cleveland ahead 116-111.
But Felton hit a 3 from the corner and seconds later added two free throws for yet another tie.
James, who went 16-for-23 from the line, followed with two free throws for a 118-116 lead. Felton then spun his way to the hoop to tie it for the final time at 118 with 20 seconds left.
Cleveland (39-29) has won three straight at home after a three-game road losing streak and is three wins shy of last season's total with 14 to play.
The Cavaliers lead Washington by four games in the battle for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and play three of their next four at home, where they are 25-10. The top four clubs in each conference get home-court advantage in the first round.
James improved to 6-0 over the second-year the Bobcats, but it wasn't easy. Charlotte battled back from a 13-point deficit early in the third quarter.
Drew Gooden and Murray scored 19 points apiece for Cleveland, which is undefeated in games where James gets a triple-double.
Notes
Cavs G Larry Hughes, who had finger surgery Feb. 14, is "progressing fine," according to coach Mike Brown. Hughes remains on a timetable of 8-10 weeks to return, which could enable him to play in the playoffs. ... The Bobcats are 6-29 on the road and have lost 18 of their last 20 away from home. ... Charlotte used its 24th different starting lineup, second only to New York this season. ... Wallace, who had 27 points Tuesday night, sat out with a sore left calf. Knight missed his second straight game with a groin strain.