Williams, James are 1-2 punch in win

CLEVELAND (AP) — Mo Williams strengthened his argument to be an All-Star by scoring a career-high 43 points and LeBron James recorded his 20th career triple-double as the Cleveland Cavaliers improved to 21-0 at home, beating the Sacramento Kings 117-110 on Tuesday night.

Williams, who is hoping to join James on the Eastern Conference team at next month’s All-Star game in Phoenix, had his finest game since joining the Cavs. The do-it-all point guard went 15-of-24 from the floor, made a career-best seven 3-pointers and added 11 assists and eight rebounds.

James scored 23 points with 15 rebounds and 11 assists, his third triple-double this season. He picked up assist No. 10 in the third quarter with a pass to Williams, who knocked down three consecutive 3s — all off feeds from James — in a span of 1:05. Williams was so good, James only had to take 10 shots.

Kevin Martin scored 35 points and John Salmons 21 for the Kings, who lost their sixth straight and dropped to 0-19 against the East.

While James was voted an All-Star starter by fans, Williams must wait for a nod from NBA coaches.

They had to submit their All-Star reserve picks — for seven spots — on Tuesday and the results will be announced Thursday. Williams was expected to get plenty of support after helping the Cavaliers (35-8) get off to the best start in franchise history in his first season with Cleveland.

Williams is vying for a backup spot behind starter Allen Iverson, and his stiffest competition would appear to be Orlando’s Jameer Nelson and New Jersey’s Devin Harris.

Sasha Pavlovic added 12 points and rookie J.J. Hickson 11 for the Cavs, who have been able to maintain their strong play despite being without injured starters Delonte West and Zydrunas Ilgauskas.