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LeBron Leads Cavs In A Blowout Win Over Clippers, 114-89
Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - LeBron James scored 32 points -- 23 in a dazzling first quarter -- and added 11 assists, as the Cleveland Cavaliers set several offensive records early and routed the Los Angeles Clippers, 114-89.
James and his team were unconscious in the first quarter, as the reigning MVP hit five of the team’s 11 three-pointers in the opening 12 minutes. The 11 makes tied an NBA record for most in a quarter, as Cleveland went an astounding 16-of-21 from the field overall in the first stanza to tie a team record with 46 points.
The Cavaliers, who won their season-high eighth straight game, finished the contest 16-of-27 from three-point range, falling one shy of the team record for most three-pointers in a contest.
Shaquille O'Neal contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds in the easy victory, while Daniel Gibson hit four threes for 14 points. Jamario Moon and Jawad Williams each had two long distance shots for 12 points, and Anderson Varejao added 11 points for the Cavs.
Baron Davis quietly had 30 points and seven assists for the Clippers, who fell to a dismal 1-5 on their eight-game road trip. Eric Gordon contributed with 12 points, while DeAndre Jordan and Craig Smith each had 11 in defeat.
The first quarter featured an unbelievable offensive display from James and the Cavaliers, who raced out to a 46-20 lead after 12 minutes.
Cleveland led 9-7 early until three-pointers on seven consecutive possessions put the team ahead by 19.
Anthony Parker had the first make from beyond the arc, Gibson had two and James hit four in a row for a 30-11 lead.
A Davis free throw brought the Clippers to within 15 moments later, but James responded with a pair of free throws, and the Cavs then hit four straight three-pointers -- three from Moon, whose bucket provided a 43-17 advantage in the final minute.
After Davis drilled a long-range shot for LA, James finished the dazzling display with his fifth three-pointer of the quarter for a total of 23 points and a 26-point Cavaliers lead.
Although the Cavs didn’t shoot nearly as well in the second quarter, they increased their lead to 28, 67-39, at halftime.
The Clippers nearly made a game of it, as a 17-4 burst early in the third brought LA to within 73-56 on a Gordon jumper. The margin then stood at 16, 83-67, entering the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles got as close as 11, 87-76, with just over eight minutes to go, but the Cavs used a 10-0 run to put the game away, as James’ jumper with four minutes to go provided the hosts with a 102-81 advantage.
James tied the team record for most three-pointers in a quarter with five...The Cavs set a franchise record with 13 threes in the first half...Cleveland swept the season series, 2-0, and has won eight straight over teh Clippers...LA's Chris Kaman sat out the game with an ankle injury, and the team is 0-6 when he doesn't play...The Clippers have lost 12 of their last 13 road games.
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