James nets 36, propels Cavs

? LeBron James scored 36, leading Cleveland to a 94-82 victory over the Boston Celtics on Friday night, moving the Cavaliers closer to their first playoff berth in eight years. James added eight assists and seven rebounds and put the finishing touches on the win with three sparkling plays in the final minute.

James scored on an off-balance drive to the basket that left him sprawled along the baseline, but quickly got up and raced down court to steal the ball from Paul Pierce. He then dribbled back the other way and hit a three-pointer to bring the sellout crowd to its feet with 18 seconds to play.

The Cavaliers won their fourth in a row overall and sixth straight at home.

Nuggets 117, Sonics 104

Denver – Carmelo Anthony scored 31, helping lead Denver over Seattle. Anthony is averaging nearly 30 points a game while shooting 56 percent in 13 March games. He has scored 96 points in three games against the Sonics this season.

Grizzlies 91, Knicks 75

New York – Pau Gasol scored 36, and Memphis beat New York for its sixth straight victory. Top reserve Mike Miller added 15 points for the Grizzlies.

Heat 114, Bobcats 93

Miami – Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal combined for 46 points before sitting out the fourth quarter, and Miami beat Charlotte to snap a two-game losing streak.

Pistons 75, Pacers 72

Indianapolis – Ben Wallace blocked Danny Granger’s three-pointer at the buzzer, and Detroit held off Indiana. Richard Hamilton scored 15, and Antonio McDyess and Tayshaun Prince each added 11 for Detroit.

Bulls 96, Hornets 82

Chicago – Ben Gordon came off the bench to score 25, Tyson Chandler grabbed a season-high 21 rebounds, and Chicago snapped a four-game losing streak.

Raptors 97, Timberwolves 77

Toronto – Morris Peterson scored 21, and Chris Bosh added 17 points and 15 rebounds to lead Toronto. Kevin Garnett had 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves.

Spurs 98, Blazers 79

Portland, Ore. – Brent Barry scored 15 of his season-high 23 in the second quarter, and San Antonio sent the Trail Blazers to their seventh straight loss. Juan Dixon had 24 points, and Zach Randolph added 11 points and seven rebounds for the Blazers.

Lakers 101, Bucks 96

Los Angeles – Kobe Bryant scored 43, including six free throws in the final 20 seconds, and Los Angeles beat Milwaukee to record its first three-game winning streak in more than two months.

Magic 102, 76ers 86

Philadelphia – Dwight Howard had 15 points, 19 rebounds and four blocks to help Orlando snap a 16-game road losing streak.