James scores 41 as Cavaliers beat Bucks

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(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-12 14:10

CLEVELAND _ LeBron James matched a season high with 41 points, finally putting Milwaukee away with a steal and soaring dunk in the final minutes, and Mo Williams scored 16 against his former team as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their fifth straight, 99-93 over the Bucks on Tuesday night.

James scored 12 in the fourth quarter and didn't come out in the second half while playing a season-best 43 minutes.

With Cleveland leading by five, James poked away a pass intended for Richard Jefferson, streaked to the other end and lifted off one step inside the foul line before smashing the ball through the hoop. Moments later, he dropped an outside jumper and then drove through the lane for a finger roll to give the Cavs an 11-point lead. Nuggets 88, Bobcats 80=

At Charlotte, North Carolina, Carmelo Anthony scored 18 of his 25 points in the second half, Chauncey Billups added a key three-point play late, and Denver held off Charlotte to stay unbeaten with Billups in the lineup.

After an 11-point fourth-quarter lead was sliced to 75-73, the undermanned Nuggets turned to Billups and their defense. Charlotte went six straight possessions without a point, while Billups found Nene for a thunderous dunk before Billups' driving layup and free throw on the next possession made it 80-73 with 2:56 left.

Jason Richardson scored 23 points to lead the sloppy Bobcats. Jazz 93, 76ers 80=

At Philadelphia, Carlos Boozer had 19 points and 16 rebounds and Deron Williams played for the first time this season to lead Utah past Philadelphia.

Williams had seven points and nine assists after missing the first six games because of a sprained left ankle he suffered in a preseason game October 18 against Chicago.

Andre Miller scored 25 points, Andre Iguodala had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Elton Brand added 13 for the reeling Sixers, who lost their third in a row and fell to 2-5.