Cavalier Win Is a First for James

LeBron James had already proved he could play in the NBA. Now he has proof he can win.

Cleveland’s rookie star got his first win as a pro Saturday night and the Cavaliers ended a five-game losing streak to open the season with a 111-98 victory over the Washington Wizards at Cleveland.

“It feels good,” said James, who had 17 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in 45 minutes. “We came together as a team. That’s what we need every night.”

Darius Miles and Ricky Davis scored 26 points apiece for the Cavaliers, who started the season 0-5.

Davis scored 23 in the second half for Cleveland, which used a 13-2 run midway through the fourth quarter to take control of the game, then did just enough down the stretch to hold off the Wizards.

“It’s a load off everybody’s shoulders, the players, the organization, everybody,” Coach Paul Silas said. “I didn’t think we’d go 0 for 82, but to get the first win is pretty gratifying.”

After losing by one point at Indiana on Friday, the Cavaliers looked like a different team, executing their halfcourt offense and playing with intensity on defense -- something that had been missing in their first five games.

For the second straight night, backup center DeSagana Diop played well for the Cavaliers. The 7-footer had four rebounds and five blocks in 18 minutes, forcing Silas to leave starter Zydrunas Ilgauskas on the bench for all but four minutes of the second half.

Rookie Jarvis Hayes and Gilbert Arenas each had 22 points for the Wizards, who moved to within 81-78 with 9:00 left.

But that’s when Darius Miles, who scored 26 points and played his best all-around game since joining Cleveland before last season, took over. The former Clipper scored eight straight points as the Cavaliers opened a 94-80 lead with 5:13 left.

Hayes made a three-point basket with 2:06 left as the Wizards pulled to within 99-92, but James clinched the victory with a steal and monster slam with 1:01 left.

Dallas 81, San Antonio 78 -- Antawn Jamison came off the bench and beat the Spurs inside. He scored 20 points, capped by a one-foot putback with 4.9 seconds left at San Antonio.

The Spurs played without Tim Duncan, who has a sprained left ankle, for the third straight game. Point guard Tony Parker, who also has a sprained left ankle, is yet to play this season.

Milwaukee 90, New York 87 -- T.J. Ford made two free throws with 7.7 seconds left and Tim Thomas scored 12 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter at Milwaukee to lead the Bucks past the Knicks for the second time in four days.

Charlie Ward missed two three-point attempts in the final 16 seconds, the second coming at the buzzer. The Bucks beat the Knicks, 106-90, Wednesday night in New York.

Minnesota 88, Miami 79 -- Kevin Garnett had 25 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Timberwolves over the winless Heat in Miami.

Garnett dominated inside against the Heat’s smaller front line. Sam Cassell had 23 points, six assists and five rebounds for Minnesota.

The Heat is 0-6 for the first time since opening its inaugural season in 1988-89 with 17 straight losses.

Houston 96, Orlando 86 -- At Houston, Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley helped the Rockets hand the Magic its sixth consecutive loss.

Francis scored 31 points. Mobley had 21 and also helped extend Tracy McGrady’s offensive slump. The defending scoring champion had 14 points on five-for-21 shooting.

Chicago 109, New Orleans 106 -- Jalen Rose came off the bench to make 10 of 15 shots, including four three-point baskets, and score 34 points to lead the Bulls at New Orleans.

Utah 96, Memphis 89 -- Andrei Kirilenko had 25 points and Raul Lopez scored 10 of his 12 during a key run in the fourth quarter to help the Jazz improve to 4-0 at Salt Lake City.

Portland 90, Atlanta 83 -- Zach Randolph had 29 points and nine rebounds and reserve Jeff McInnis scored 21 points to keep the Hawks winless in four road games.