CLEVELAND, 17 November 2003 — LeBron James inspired the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first win over the Philadelphia 76ers in more than four years as the Cavs’ 91-88 overtime triumph on Saturday eased their losing record this season.
James, the 18-year-old rookie sensation, claimed 22 points and eight assists while Zydrunas Ilgauskas poured in 28 points to leave the Sixers nursing defeat to Cleveland for the first time since April 1999.
James’ jumper in regulation forced overtime at 82-82 and, with his team up 90-88 in the extra period, James blocked a Kyle Korver shot to preserve the lead.
After Korver then missed a three-pointer, the Cavaliers drained one more free-throw before celebrating a thrilling victory to improve to 3-7. Allen Iverson, instrumental in Philadelphia’s defeat of reigning NBA champions the San Antonion Spurs on Friday, registered just 19 points at the Gund Arena. The Cavaliers’ Carlos Boozer pulled down 15 rebounds as the Sixers, which trailed by 11 at one point, fought back.
Spurs 95 Wizards 71
In Washington, last season’s MVP Tim Duncan committed four turnovers in the first quarter but made amends with a total 17 points and 13 rebounds as San Antonio improved to 6-5. Malik Rose also helped the Spurs overcome a slow start, with a season-high 23 points. The Wizards led 26-17 early on, but Larry Hughes was ejected after a technical foul in the second quarter.
Nets 100 Hawks 85
In Atlanta, Kenyon Martin confirmed his return to form after injury by collecting 23 points and a season-high 14 rebounds as New Jersey reached the 100-point mark for the first time this season. Jason Kidd weighed in with 21 points for the Nets.
Pacers 95 Knicks 94
In New York, the Knicks came back from a 15-point deficit but still could not overcome Indiana, which were paced by Reggie Miller’s 31 points.
New York kept the Pacers to just 13 points in the third quarter and had five players scoring double-figures, but Indiana held on with the help of a Jermaine O’Neal lay-up.
Hornets 101 Trail Blazers 79
In New Orleans, a late 20-4 run helped the Hornets streak away from the Trail Blazers. Baron Davis paced New Orleans with 23 points while Darrell Armstrong added 20 points off the bench.
Grizzlies 108 Mavericks 101 (OT)
Antoine Walker’s three-pointer on the buzzer forced overtime for Dallas at 95-95, but Mike Miller drained the first four points of the extra period to lead Memphis to their first win over the Mavericks since November 2000.
Miller finished with a season-high 22 points for the Grizzlies, which is at 5-4 for the first time in franchise history.
SuperSonics 98 Bulls 90
At Chicago, Michael Jordan made his first appearance at United Center since retiring from the game last season, but the present-day Bulls players did not respond to his presence courtside.
Bucks 100 Jazz 95
At Milwaukee, Michael Redd helped the Bucks on a 13-0 fourth quarter run to defeat Utah. Redd finished with 25 points as three other Bucks made it to double figures in scoring.
Pistons 100 Suns 91
At Phoenix, the Detroit Pistons snapped a three-game losing streak with Richard Hamilton scoring 27 points and Chauncey Billups 12 of his 24 in the fourth quarter.
Clippers 95 Magic 92
At Los Angeles, a ninth successive loss for Orlando heaped the pressure on coach Doc Rivers. Quentin Richardson had a game-high 31 points, as well as nine rebounds, as the Clippers enjoyed its fourth straight win.
