Cavs start strong, but lose to Celtics; reserves play role


October 11, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

None of Boston’s “Big Three” played more than 9 1‚Ñ2 minutes, all in the first quarter.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — LeBron James only needed two preseason games to get back into a groove.

James scored 12 points in the first quarter, finishing with 15 in 131‚Ñ2 minutes Friday night to help the Cavaliers open an early lead before the Boston reserves took over and led the NBA champions to a 96-94 victory.

“It was good. I got out there and got a good rhythm,” said James, who played just eight minutes and failed to make a basket in Cleveland’s first preseason game. “We got into a good rhythm, and we played well.”

Tony Allen scored 25 points, and Leon Powe hit two free throws with 13.6 seconds left to put Boston ahead.

Allen made 13 of 16 free throws.

“He’s going to get to the line,” Rivers said. “He attacks off the dribble, he’s aggressive, and he’s tough to guard.”

It was 94-all when Tarence Kinsey missed a jumper with 15 seconds left, and Lorenzen Wright fouled Powe going for the rebound. Powe’s free throws gave Boston a 96-94 lead, and Bill Walker blocked Jawad Williams’ shot at the buzzer.

The Cavaliers thought he was fouled, but no one really wanted to see a preseason game go into overtime, so no one really complained.

None of Boston’s “Big Three” played more than 91‚Ñ2 minutes, all in the first quarter. Paul Pierce scored eight points, Ray Allen had five and Kevin Garnett scored four.

“I really hadn’t planned on playing Kevin and those guys at all tonight,” Rivers said. “But I thought because we’re right here down the road the fans needed to see them a little bit. And they got a chance to see the other guy, LeBron, who is pretty good, too. I thought they got their money’s worth.”

Rivers is wary of his players’ workload, even though none of them played in the Olympics like James. Boston’s season didn’t end until June 17 after an 82-game regular season and 26 playoff games, including the seven-game victory over Cleveland in the Eastern Conference semifinals.