Cavaliers pull it out on James’ free throw

LeBron James scored 26 points, including the winning free throw with 1.6 seconds left, and the Cleveland Cavaliers won for the seventh time in eight games, 88-87 over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night.

The Hawks, after rallying from a 13-point deficit, squandered a five-point lead in the final 1:42. Delonte West hit a jump shot, Mo Williams sank a three-pointer and James won it for the Cavaliers on their final possession. He drove from the top of the key and was fouled by Al Horford with 1.6 seconds remaining.

“It was unfortunate the way the game ended,” Horford said, choosing his words carefully. “He came to me. I kept my arms straight. The refs felt it was a foul.”

James missed the first free throw but swished the second. The Hawks had a last chance, but Joe Johnson’s jump shot over James clanked off the rim as the horn sounded.

James had six rebounds and 11 assists. Johnson led Atlanta with 21 points.