LeBron tops 12,000; Cavs extend home streak to 23

CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James’ corner locker looked like an igloo.

Soaking his aching feet and ankles in a tub filled with crushed ice, Cleveland’s superstar had ice packs strapped to both knees and another wrapped around his back.

He was spent — and for good reason.

James scored 33 points, eclipsed 12,000 for his career, blocked Chris Bosh’s dunk attempt during a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter and guarded almost every one of Toronto’s starters as the Cleveland Cavaliers remained flawless on their floor by winning their 23rd straight home game, 101-83 over the Raptors on Tuesday night.

James became the fastest player in NBA history to reach the 12,000-point plateau. At 24 years, 35 days, he did it quicker than Los Angeles superstar Kobe Bryant, who was 25 years, 220 days.

“He’s still going to get better,” Cavs coach Mike Brown said. “That’s the scary thing.”

Daniel Gibson scored 18 and Mo Williams 16 as the Cavaliers broke the club record for consecutive home wins set during the 1988-89 season. Cleveland, which built a 23-point lead in the first quarter, also became the first team since the 1949-50 Rochester Royals to win their first 23 home games by at least four points.

“It’s another great thing in this season,” James said. “It’s great to put another record in the book. Every player and coach should be proud of it.”

Bosh scored 29 and Jermaine O’Neal 20 to pace Toronto.

Trailing by 19 at halftime and showing little fight, the Raptors regrouped and outscored the Cavaliers 26-15 in the third quarter to close to 74-66 entering the fourth.

Cleveland shot just 4-of-18 from the field in the third, and too often settled for outside jumpers instead of attacking the basket.

But that changed midway through the fourth when James, who did not make a field goal in the second half, decided it was time to put Toronto away.

First, he was fouled on a drive and made both free throws. On the Raptors’ next trip, James challenged a soaring Bosh on a dunk attempt and got just enough of the ball to alter its course. James was again fouled while powering inside and made his free throws — he finished 13-of-13 at the line — to make it 87-75.