LeBron James hit two free throws for the winning points after a scary tumble with 4.1 seconds left as the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Miami Heat 92-91 on Monday.
Dwyane Wade,who missed a jump shot at the buzzer,finished with 32 points for Miami,all but two of them in what was an epic first half shootout between superstars. But he missed two big free throws with 41.2 seconds left,part of a 1 of 6 showing from the line by the Heat in the fourth quarter 8212; and it cost Miami dearly.
Shaquille O8217;Neal scored 19,Daniel Gibson had 15 and Anderson Varejao finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland. Wade had 10 rebounds and five assists for Miami. Jermaine O8217;Neal finished with 18 points,Michael Beasley had 16 and Rafer Alston and Udonis Haslem each scored 10 for the Heat.
Pierce scores 22
In Boston,Paul Pierce scored 22 points and Rajon Rondo had 16 points and 12 assists to lead Boston to a 95-89 win. Boston forward Kevin Garnett played his second straight after missing 10 consecutive games with a hyperextended right knee. He finished with 17 points in 30 minutes. Rasual Butler led the Clippers with 17 points.