James’ reverse layup lifts Cavs past Blazers, 84-83

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — LeBron James’ reverse layup with less than a second left Wednesday night gave Cleveland an 84-83 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, the Cavaliers’ fifth straight win on the road.

Portland led by as many as 14 points in the second half, but the Cavaliers closed in as time ran down. James, who had 37 points and 14 rebounds, hit three consecutive 3-pointers to tie it 81 with 2:26 left.

Travis Outlaw’s jumper put the Blazers back in front, and they still held a narrow lead when Drew Gooden missed one of two free throws.

Steve Blake missed a 3-pointer with 55 seconds left, but Portland was able to stop Cleveland on the other end.

Brandon Roy ran down the clock, then missed a pressured 3-pointer with 5.9 seconds remaining. James’ layup with 0.9 seconds left gave Cleveland its only lead of the half and the victory.

The Cavaliers have won 13 of their last 16 games. They had not won five straight road games since March 17-April 1, 1998.

Cleveland got a brief scare midway through the fourth quarter when James inadvertently collided with Portland guard Sergio Rodriguez. James grimaced and grasped at his left pinkie finger, but appeared fine after a timeout.

Roy had 16 points and seven assists for the Blazers, while LaMarcus Aldridge had 16 points and nine rebounds.