James reaches new heights

LeBron James used one of the most spectacular performances in playoff history to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers to the verge of their greatest season.

James’ career playoff-high 48 points -- including 29 of his team’s final 30 -- carried the Cavaliers to within one victory of the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history with a 109-107 double-overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.

James made a go-ahead layup with 2.2 seconds left and Detroit’s Chauncey Billups missed a shot in the lane on the ensuing possession.

It was one of the many driving shots that James made look easy.

“Why should I be surprised? I was making a lot of great moves,” James said. “They are definitely a great defensive team, but I was determined to attack.”

The Pistons blew a seven-point lead with 3:15 left in regulation and lost the third straight game in the series after winning the first two at home.

Game 6 is Saturday night in Cleveland and if necessary, Game 7 will be Monday night at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The San Antonio Spurs, who eliminated Utah on Wednesday, have a week off before playing host to Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Detroit can only hope the series ends like its last postseason matchup with the Cavaliers.

The Pistons won the first two games of the conference semifinals last year, then lost three straight and needed to win on the road and then at home in Game 7.

James was 18 of 33 from the floor, making both of his three-point shots, and 10 of 14 from the free-throw line. He also had nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals.

“We tried to trap him and get it out of his hands, but he attacked,” Pistons Coach Flip Saunders said. “We’ll definitely have to do something different next time.”

James shot an airball just before the shot clock expired with 6.6 seconds left in the first overtime that gave Detroit a chance to force another period.

James fouled Chauncey Billups with 3.1 seconds left and the Pistons guard made two free throws to make it 100-100. The Cavaliers’ Eric Snow then missed a desperation heave.

Richard Hamilton scored 26 to lead the Pistons.