James passes Cavs to victory

CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James made at least one play that was Jordanesque. More than a few others were Magical.

James tied a career high with 15 assists and Shaquille O’Neal ruled underneath, collecting 13 points and 13 rebounds in 21 minutes to help the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the worn-down Memphis Grizzlies 105-89 on Tuesday night for their ninth straight victory.

James scored 22, but like Magic Johnson, one of the legends to whom he is often compared, he was more focused on setting up his teammates.

It was the fifth time in six games James has had at least 10 assists, accepting the challenge of running Cleveland’s offense while guards Mo Williams and Delonte West are out with injuries.

“He sees things other players don’t see,” Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said. “He attacks the basket and throws it out for a 3. He attacks the basket, then throws it for a layup. He gets the ball on one side, he’s not looking, but he sees the guy and whips it all the way across the court for another 3-pointer.

“He’s just a great player. I don’t know much more that you can say about him.”

Cleveland has won its past four games by an average of 19 points.

Rudy Gay scored 15 for Memphis, playing its fourth game in five nights. Zach Randolph finished with eight points — 13 below his average — on 3-of-14 shooting as Cleveland’s defense clamped down hard on the Grizzlies.

“We just tried to keep a body in front of all three of them, that’s O.J. and Rudy and Zach, their All-Star,” James said. “It was a whole complete defensive performance, that’s the reason we ended up winning big.”

The Grizzlies were coming off a two-point home win over the Los Angeles Lakers, but they lacked the legs or energy to run with the Cavaliers, who lead the NBA with a 39-11 record and improved to 10-0 against Western Conference teams at home this season.

“Last night had nothing to do with tonight,” Hollins said. “Tonight had to do with the Cleveland Cavaliers and what they did defensively and what they did offensively.”