James added eight rebounds and eight assists for the Cavs, who led 96-93 with 4:30 left before the league's soon-to-be-two-time Most Valuable Player decided to dominate.
James dropped a 3-pointer that he capped with a quick dance move and wink toward Chicago's bench, made two free throws, a layup and two jumpers, scoring 11 straight as Cleveland opened a 107-98 lead with 1:36 left.
Game 3 is Thursday night in Chicago.
Jazz 114, Nuggets 111: At Denver, Deron Williams led the injury-riddled Jazz to victory over the Denver Nuggets to level their Western Conference playoff series at 1-1.
Williams had 33 points and 14 assists and Carlos Boozer added 20 points and 14 rebounds for the Jazz.
Chauncey Billups' 3-point attempt from the top of the key in the closing seconds hit off the back iron and the Nuggets walked dejectedly off the court.
Williams and Kyle Korver made two free throws each in the final 11 seconds to hold off the Nuggets, who had overcome a 14-point third-quarter deficit to take a 102-98 lead with 4 1/2 minutes left.
