Cavs down Hornets behind James’ 31

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

The playoffs are close, just around the corner. LeBron James can’t wait for them to begin.

James scored 31 points, J.R. Smith matched a season high with 27 and the Cleveland Cavaliers knocked down 16 3-pointers while playing without an injured Kyrie Irving in a 112-103 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.

James, who has jacked his game up to another level lately, added 12 assists and eight rebounds and Kevin Love added 25 points. After nearly blowing a big lead, the Cavs held off a Charlotte comeback in the fourth quarter and opened a 3 1/2-game lead over idle Toronto for the top playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.

Cleveland has five games left in the regular season, precious time to work on its offensive efficiency and defensive intensity. Then, it’s time to make another run at an NBA title.

“If it started tomorrow, we’d be ready to go,” James said.

Smith made six 3-pointers, Love dropped five and, along with James, the trio combined for 83 points while Irving rested a sprained ankle.

In his past seven games, James, who claimed several weeks ago that he had shifted into playoff mode, is averaging just over 28 points with 9 rebounds and 9.2 assists.

And as he prepares for his second postseason since returning to the Cavaliers from Miami, the four-time MVP is healthy in body and spirit.

“I’m ready for whatever level comes at me,” he said. “I feel great, best I’ve felt in the last couple years and continue to lead this team in the right direction.”

Kemba Walker scored 29 points — 21 in the second half — and Marvin Williams added 22 for the Hornets, who got within 96-92 in the fourth before Smith and Love answered with 3-pointers.

Charlotte clinched a playoff spot Saturday and came in temporarily holding the No. 3 spot in the East. The Hornets are 21-7 since Feb. 1.

“They’ve got so many guys who can make plays,” Williams said. “Starting with LeBron, who is obviously one of the best players in the world. They’ve got Kevin Love and J.R. Smith, and Kyrie, who didn’t play. They have a lot of talent over there.”