Postseason Is No Problem for James

LeBron James had an NBA playoff debut that was simply magical.

Showcasing his spectacular skills as a pro in the postseason for the first time, James recorded a triple-double and brought the Cleveland Cavaliers back to the playoffs in style with a 97-86 win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday in Cleveland.

James finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, becoming the first player since Magic Johnson to post a triple-double in his first playoff game.

“It’s a great class to be in,” James said.

Over 48 minutes, the 21-year-old James, who is battling a cold, did a little of everything to help the Cavaliers win Game 1 between the fourth- and fifth-seeded teams in the Eastern Conference.

James is the third player in history to get a triple-double in his playoff debut. Johnson (13 points, 12 rebounds and 16 assists) did it for the Lakers on April 8, 1980, and Johnny McCarthy (13 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists) had one for St. Louis on March 16, 1960.

James got plenty of help from his supporting cast as Donyell Marshall added 19 points, Eric Snow 14 and Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Flip Murray 10 apiece.

Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night at Quicken Loans Arena.

Gilbert Arenas had 26 points for the Wizards, but only nine in the first three quarters. Washington made three of 22 three-point shots.

San Antonio 122, Sacramento 88 -- Tony Parker scored 25 points and Nick Van Exel added 11 in the decisive second quarter as the host Spurs got their championship defense off to a blazing start, taking a 34-point lead at halftime.

San Antonio’s fleet-footed point guards led a 41-15 run in the second quarter, which ended with the Spurs ahead, 73-39. Parker made nine of 11 first-half shots.

Mike Bibby scored 17 points and Ron Artest had 16 on seven-for-21 shooting for the Kings.

Miami 111, Chicago 106 -- Dwyane Wade scored 30 points, including six straight in the fourth quarter to lead the Heat back from its only deficit, and added 11 assists in a Game 1 victory over the visiting Bulls.

Shaquille O’Neal had 27 points and 16 rebounds for Miami. Ben Gordon had 35 points for Chicago.

Pat Riley coached the Heat a day after his 96-year-old mother, Mary, died.