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LeBron Powers Undermanned Cleveland

Wizards lose again despite Cavs having only 8 players available

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 23, 2008 12:10 AM CST

(Newser) – After recently being touted by his coach as NBA MVP, LeBron James backed up that statement with another superb performance, leading the Cavaliers in a 90-89 nail-biter over Washington. James hit the winning free throws with 8 seconds left as part of his 33-point, 15-rebound night, while playing nearly the entire game because Cleveland dressed only eight players, reports AP.

The Cavs were shorthanded because they couldn't use the four players they acquired in a major trade Thursday, including center Ben Wallace. Damon Jones, however, was a nice accompaniment to James with 27 points, including seven three-pointers. The Wizards' DeShawn Stevenson had a chance to win after LeBron's foul shots, but his layup attempt failed. Washington's lost 10 of 11.

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, left, defends Washington Wizards' DeShawn Stevenson during the fourth quarter of an NBA game Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Cleveland. Cleveland won 90-89. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, left, defends Washington Wizards' DeShawn Stevenson during the fourth quarter of an NBA game Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Cleveland. Cleveland won 90-89. (AP Photo/Mark...   (Associated Press)
Cleveland Cavaliers' Damon Jones (19) shoots over Washington Wizards' DeShawn Stevenson during the fourth quarter on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Cleveland. Jones scored 27 points, including 7-11 three-pointers, and Cleveland won 90-89. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Cleveland Cavaliers' Damon Jones (19) shoots over Washington Wizards' DeShawn Stevenson during the fourth quarter on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Cleveland. Jones scored 27 points, including 7-11 three-pointers,...   (Associated Press)
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) goes up for a shot between Washington Wizards' DeShawn Stevenson (2) and Antonio Daniels during the third quarter of their game on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Cleveland. James had 33 points and 15 rebounds to lead Cleveland to a 90-89 win. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) goes up for a shot between Washington Wizards' DeShawn Stevenson (2) and Antonio Daniels during the third quarter of their game on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Cleveland....   (Associated Press)
Cleveland Cavaliers' Eric Snow (20) bats the ball away from Washington Wizards' Darius Songaila, from Lithuania, during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Cleveland. Playing short handed after trading six players Friday, Cleveland won 90-89. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Cleveland Cavaliers' Eric Snow (20) bats the ball away from Washington Wizards' Darius Songaila, from Lithuania, during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Cleveland....   (Associated Press)
Washington Wizards' Antawn Jamison, right, shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Washington Wizards' Antawn Jamison, right, shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)   (Associated Press)
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