Cavaliers power to eighth straight win

Source: Agencies  |   2008-12-8  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

LEBRON James scored 25 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers roared to their eighth consecutive victory, crushing the Charlotte Bobcats 94-74 on Saturday.

Cleveland scored the game's first seven points and was never seriously threatened in improving its record to 17-3, going 16-1 after a 1-2 start. The Central Division-leading Cavaliers have not lost since November 19, when they were beaten 89-96 by the Detroit Pistons.

"They (the Cavaliers) are terrific," Bobcats coach Larry Brown told reporters. "They're playing so unselfishly, they defend well, they have a lot of people that can play."

Elsewhere in the National Basketball Association, it was: Nets 95, 76ers 84; Heat 105, Thunder 99; Hornets 106, Grizzlies 87; Clippers 107, Timberwolves 84; Bulls 117, Wizards 110; Mavericks 100, Hawks 98; Spurs 123, Warriors 88; Suns 106, Jazz 104; and Nuggets 118, Kings 85.

In Charlotte, North Carolina, James, as usual, led the way.

"We like to make a statement defensively and we did it once again tonight," James said.

"It leads to us getting out and getting easy buckets."

Point guard Daniel Gibson added 22 points.

" Daniel had an excellent game on the offensive-end and guys just followed that," James said. "It's another big win for us."

Reserve guard D.J. Augustin led Charlotte (7-13) with 17 points. Fellow guard Raymond Felton was the only Bobcat starter in double figures with 15.

"You hope we try hard, play smart and play together," Brown said. "But tonight I don't think we competed."

In Philadelphia, Devin Harris scored 27 points, and Vince Carter added 14 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for New Jersey.

The Nets have won five of six games and four straight on the road.

Andre Iguodala led Philadelphia (9-12) with 20 points, and Andre Miller had 16 as the 76ers lost their fourth straight at home.