LeBron hits for 41 in Cavs’ win

He scored 20 points in the first quarter as Cleveland picked up a signature win.

By BRIAN WINDHORST

THE Plain Dealer

PORTLAND, Ore. — So far this season, the Cavaliers have been able to score some investment wins, the kind that will pay off all season long.

Most of the league is not going to emerge from places like Phoenix, Orlando, Atlanta or Los Angeles against the Lakers with a victory in hand. Tack on another one after Sunday night, when they went into the thorn’s nest known as the Rose Garden and beat a feisty if injury-depleted Trail Blazers, 106-94.

It was a highlight-filled affair with LeBron James and Brandon Roy, the present and future of the NBA, trading haymakers. It featured remarkable runs, questionable defense and even some throwback play from Shaquille O’Neal.

Most important for the Cavs (29-10), though, was it was a win even if it was shaky at times. On long road trips such as they’re on now, there’s no looking sideways at it.

James started super hot, hitting his first nine shots and putting up 20 points in the first quarter for just the third time in his career. He mellowed after that and scored just 10 points in the second half, but his 41 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists still qualified as a strong performance in a tough environment.

Especially considering his competition in Roy, who has made a habit of carrying the Blazers (23-16) in big home games over the last two seasons. He flirted with pulling the upset again, putting up 34 points of his own with four rebounds.

The two stars guarded each other on several possessions in the fourth quarter, which looked like it might turn classic when Roy nailed a 3-pointer with seven minutes left to tie the game.

The Cavs made sure it didn’t both thanks to some gritty defensive possessions and a couple of clutch plays from their emerging role players.

Jawad Williams, who has gotten extended minutes over the last three games with Jamario Moon out, scored a career-high 10 points. Eight came in the fourth quarter as he knocked down two 3-pointers to help the Cavs get some breathing room.

With the Blazers missing the top two centers to injury, it was clear the Cavs’ game plan was to attack inside. It worked perfectly for much of the game. O’Neal was particularly effective, as the Blazers couldn’t handle him 1-on-1 without fouling and when they brought double teams he looked to pass as he’s been doing for almost two decades. He racked up 11 points, 11 rebounds and five assists while drawing 10 Blazer fouls.

Anderson Varejao finished with 12 points and eight rebounds plus some good defense in the final minutes.