LeBron and Cavs hold off T-Wolves 107-97
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-12-22 11:29

LeBron James had 26 points with 12 assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers answered every time Minnesota threatened in the fourth quarter in a 107-97 win over the Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers breaks toward the hoop guarded by Mark Madsen of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter of their game at Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio December 21, 2004. [Reuters]

Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 25 points, and Jeff McInnis had 21 for the Cavaliers, who kept their poise down the stretch against one of the Western Conference's top teams one game after they blew a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost to Boston.

But this time, the Cavaliers held off the Timberwolves, who made four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. The last one, by Sam Cassell, brought Minnesota within 99-91 with 1:32 to go.

McInnis, though, hit a pair of free throws and after a miss by Minnesota, Cleveland's point guard fed Drew Gooden in the lane for a dunk — the Cavaliers' 10th slam — to make it 103-91 with 1:09 remaining, ending Minnesota's comeback.

Kevin Garnett had 26 points, 13 rebounds and six assists for the Timberwolves. Cassell added 19 points, and Troy Hudson 15 — 10 in a 2:24 span of the fourth — as Minnesota stormed back.

The Timberwolves played without forward Latrell Sprewell, who sprained his left foot last week.

Hudson made a pair of 3-pointers, and Eddie Griffin drained another as the Timberwolves trimmed a 13-point deficit to 87-82, but the Cavs weren't rattled as James, Ilgauskas and McInnis continually made big plays.

With Ilgauskas scoring 17 points, McInnis 13 and James 12, Cleveland shot 59 percent (24-of-41) from the floor to open a 58-43 halftime lead. The Cavs got 14 of those points on seven dunks, including a spectacular alley-oop by James.

Cleveland's starters outscored Minnesota's first unit in the opening half, 52-33.

Cavaliers rookie forward Anderson Varejao, quickly becoming a Cleveland fan favorite with his hustle and frizzy hairstyle, made a sensational play in the first half.

After ripping the ball from Garnett near the foul line, the 6-foot-10 Brazilian drove the length of the floor, wrapped the ball around his back and scored on a soft, left-handed scoop.

Cavs guard Eric Snow returned from a one-game suspension for his argument with coach Paul Silas and scored four points in 17 minutes.

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