James gets the best of Wade as Cavs down Heat in Miami

By Chris Perkins, for NBA.com
Posted Tuesday January 26, 2010 12:31AM

MIAMI (NBA.com exclusive) -- It had the makings of a classic. But in the end Monday's matchup between Cleveland forward LeBron James and Miami guard Dwyane Wade turned out to be something even more exceptional.

Depending on your point of view, James led Cleveland to a 92-91 victory at AmericanAirlines Arena, or Wade faltered down the stretch and allowed the Cavs to leave with the win.

Either way, you'd be well-advised to catch a replay of their second quarter battle, when James had 20 points and Wade had 17.

"That was probably the most amazing thing I have ever seen in my life," 21-year-old Heat forward Michael Beasley said.

Both Wade and James finished the game with 32 points. But how they compiled those points was the difference. James, who scored 20 points in the second quarter, hit a pair of free throws with 4.1 seconds left to provide the final score. The free throws came after James stole Wade's attempted behind-the-back pass that was intended for forward Udonis Haslem seconds earlier. James, who demanded to defend Wade on the game's final possession, was fouled attempting a fastbreak layup.

"I was kind of anticipating it," James said of Wade's pass. "I throw that pass myself."

Contrast that with Wade, one of the NBA's best clutch performers. In the game's final minute he missed two vital free throws, committed a crucial turnover, and misfired on a potential game-winning 20-foot jumper.

"We had what we wanted - a one-point lead with the ball," Wade said. "I got careless."

It was a disjointed game, to be sure. Cleveland improved to a league-best 35-11 and extended its win streak to five games despite not having guards Mo Williams (left shoulder) and Delonte West (left ring finger). That meant Daniel "Boobie" Gibson got the start for the second consecutive game and he responded with 15 points.

And he wasn't alone. Center Shaquille O'Neal (19 points) and forward Anderson Varejao (13 points off the bench) did the job offensively, and guards Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon helped limit Wade to 1-for-8 shooting in the second half for just two points.

Miami, which led, 54-50, at halftime, maintained its lead for most of the second half. Cleveland got serious when it went ahead, 88-87, on Gibson's three-pointer with 2:45 left.

Heat center Jermaine O'Neal (18 points) and Haslem (10 points, nine rebounds) each hit baskets to put Miami ahead, 91-90. That led to the late-game dramatics.

"We played well down the stretch and came up short with a tough mishap at the end of the game," Heat forward Quentin Richardson said.

But before the spectacular Wade-James 1-on-1 battle ended it threatened to approach that April Fool's game in 2006. In that face-off, James had 47 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists in the Cavaliers' 106-99 victory in Cleveland. Wade ended with 44 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.

Monday's game wasn't that dramatic, but it was good, particularly that second quarter. Both players put their offensive arsenals on display. The period ended with James hitting a three-point shot with 1.2 seconds left and then Wade barely missing a halfcourt heave as time expired. Both players smiled at each other as they headed toward their respective lockerrooms.

"It gets to be a little bit of, 'Anything you can do, I can do better,' Wade said.

On this night, James was better.

• Cavaliers: Powe, West, Williams
• Heat: Cook, Diawara

• Cavaliers: --
• Heat: --

• Lead Changes: 13
• Times Tied: 10

• Arena: American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL
• Officials: #49 Tom Washington, #51 Leroy Richardson, #58 Zach Zarba
• Attendance: 19600
• Duration: 2:32