CLEVELAND, (Reuters) – LeBron James scored 29 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers crushed the Boston Celtics 107-76 yesterday to move within one win of the league’s all-time record for home victories in a season.
Cleveland, 39-1 in its home arena, can equal the 1985-86 Celtics’ NBA record of 40-1 with a home victory over Philadelphia in Wednesday’s regular-season finale.
Although yesterday’s contest was a meeting of the Eastern Conference’s top two teams, the outcome was never in doubt after the league-leading Cavaliers (65-15) raced to a 31-9 first quarter advantage over the Celtics (60-20).
The lead grew to 30 points on a James free throw in the second quarter.
James also had seven assists and four rebounds in 30 minutes of play. He scored his final basket on a three-pointer with 28 seconds remaining in the third period.
Four team mates joined the All-Star forward in double figures. Daniel Gibson had 15 points, Mo Williams and Delonte West scored 13 each and Zydrunas Ilgauskas contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Paul Pierce led Boston with 14 points. Only two other Celtics finished in double figures. Glen Davis had 12 and reserve Mikki Moore scored 10.
Boston’s starting guards wound up with 11 points between them. Ray Allen scored six and Rajon Rondo had five.