Cavs outlast Nets

Jan 7, 2007, 3:40 GMT

Cleveland, OH - LeBron James tallied 19 points and pulled down 13 rebounds as Cleveland bested New Jersey, 96-91, at Quicken Loans Arena.

Larry Hughes added 21 points for the Cavaliers, who won their fourth straight contest. Drew Gooden also chipped in with 21 points and 12 boards while Zydrunas Ilgauskas finished with 16.

Vince Carter and Mikki Moore both tallied 18 points for the Nets, who lost for the first time in four games. Richard Jefferson netted 17 points and Bostjan Nachbar had 12.

New Jersey entered the final frame trailing by six points but quickly jumped in front with a 14-4 run to start the quarter. Rookie Marcus Williams capped the burst by finding Hassan Adams on an alley-oop and the Nets led 79-75 with 7:25 left.

The Cavaliers responded, however, with a 16-6 flurry of their own as the game headed toward the stretch. Hughes' lay-in, with just 1:24 remaining put Cleveland on top, 91-85.

New Jersey didn't score again until 17 seconds were left in the contest. Jefferson deposited a three-point play to make a one-possession game, 91-88.

The Cavaliers were then able to make enough free throws in the waning seconds to hold on for the win.

The Cavs took a 27-21 edge after the opening 12 minutes and extended their lead to eight, 46-38, at intermission.

Cleveland continued to play frontrunner through three quarters, 71-65.

Game Notes

The Cavaliers are now 15-3 at home this season.

Moore added 10 rebounds for New Jersey.

Cleveland won the battle of the boards 43-40.

© 2007 The Sports Network