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LeBron Makes Wizards Pay

James pours in 32 as Cleveland takes 1-0 series lead

By Mitch Pritchard,  Newser User

Posted Apr 19, 2008 4:58 PM CDT

(Newser) – Round one went to LeBron. Determined to make the Wizards swallow their words, LeBron James scored 32 points, making two tough shots in traffic down the stretch as the Cleveland Cavaliers opened the NBA playoffs with an intense 93-86 win over Washington today. Called "overrated" by Washington's DeShawn Stevenson, James scored 20 points in the second half to lead the defending Eastern Conference champions.

James sat out the early part of the fourth quarter to rest a troublesome back. But once he returned to the floor, the superstar forward came through. With the score tied 84-84, James knifed his way down the lane and hit a layup between Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood with 1:37 remaining. James then powered past Stevenson and dropped a floater with 55 seconds left in the game.

Cleveland Cavaliers' Delonte West (13) is fouled by Washington Wizards' Gilbert Arenas on a shot attempt in the third quarter today. West scored 16 points in Cleveland's 93-86 win.
Cleveland Cavaliers' Delonte West (13) is fouled by Washington Wizards' Gilbert Arenas on a shot attempt in the third quarter today. West scored 16 points in Cleveland's 93-86 win.   (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James gestures to the crowd after scoring in the fourth quarter today. James scored 32 points in Cleveland's 93-86 win.
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James gestures to the crowd after scoring in the fourth quarter today. James scored 32 points in Cleveland's 93-86 win.   (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James dunks against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter of an NBA playoff basketball game Saturday, April 19, 2008, in Cleveland.
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James dunks against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter of an NBA playoff basketball game Saturday, April 19, 2008, in Cleveland.   (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Washington Wizards' Caron Butler, right, loses control of the ball as he runs into Cleveland Cavaliers' Wally Szczerbiak today. The Cavaliers won the first game of the series 93-86.
Washington Wizards' Caron Butler, right, loses control of the ball as he runs into Cleveland Cavaliers' Wally Szczerbiak today. The Cavaliers won the first game of the series 93-86.   (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, reacts to  Washington Wizards' Brendan Haywood  standing over him today.  James and Haywood both received technical fouls.
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, reacts to Washington Wizards' Brendan Haywood standing over him today. James and Haywood both received technical fouls.   (AP Photo/The Plain Dealer,Joshua Gunter)
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