News / Sports
NBA Scores: LeBron James and the Cavaliers Top Nets in Game One
LeBron James scored 21 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out 7 assists, Drew Gooden added 14 points and 14 points and Larry Hughes finished with 17 points and 6 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the New Jersey Nets 81-77 to take game one of their second round playoff series.
The Nets entered the fourth quarter tied 59-59 and quickly grabbed a four point lead after a three-pointer from Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson answered a Cavs bucket with a triple of his own.
LeBron James tied it for the Cavaliers with a pair of free-throws and a 17-foot jumper. Bostjan Nachbar gave the Nets a two point lead with 9:08 on the clock but then New Jersey went cold and could find a bucket for the next four minutes as the Cavaliers built a four point lead of their own. After Jefferson ended the Nets struggles with a jumper Larry Hughes answered with a three-pointer and the Cavs were up five with 4:41 remaining.
New Jersey was able to get within two on a pair of free-throws from Nachbar with 56 seconds in the game but Larry Hughes countered with a jumper 21 seconds later. Vince Carter closed the gap to two for the Nets from the foul-line but James dropped a runner and the Nets had nothing left.
Cleveland dominated the glass with a 51-37 advantage.
Carter led the Nets with 21 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.
Both teams will meet again in Cleveland on Tuesday for game two of their best of seven Eastern Conference playoff series.
