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James rediscovers scoring touch as Cavs beat Mavs
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-04 16:16
DALLAS - LeBron James rediscovered his scoring touch on Monday to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 100-81 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James prepares to dunk the ball against the Charlotte Bobcats in the first quarter of their NBA basketball game in Cleveland, October 30, 2008. [Agencies]

James had tallied 59 points combined in the Cavs' first three games and despite shooting just 8-for-20 on Monday hit several key baskets down the stretch for a season-high 29 points.

"I didn't shoot the ball particularly well, like I know I can," James told reporters. "I was in attack mode all night, but I missed some shots I know I can make.

"The main thing is that we played good defense and won the game. It was a nice win, a good way to close out the road trip."         

The Cavaliers (2-2) squandered a 16-point lead in the third quarter, allowing Dallas to tie the game at 63-63, but moved up a gear later in the quarter and into the fourth to win for the first time in three road games this season.

"We did a good job shutting them down," Cleveland coach Mike Brown said. "We contained a very good shooting team."

James also pulled down eight rebounds but could manage just three assists. Ben Wallace grabbed 13 rebounds despite being held scoreless on 0-for-4 shooting and Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 17 points and had 11 rebounds.

Mo Williams scored nine of his 14 points in an early fourth quarter run and Delonte West also scored 14 for the Cavs.

Dallas (1-2) has lost both games at home this season and managed just 15 points in the final quarter.

"You've got to be pursuing the ball or making contact," new Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "We were doing neither."

Josh Howard led Dallas with 18 points but Dirk Nowitzki was held to just eight and six rebounds.

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