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LeBron James scores 34 as Cavaliers crush Hawks

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-05-06 12:42

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James showed why he is the NBA's Most Valuable Player on Tuesday, scoring 34 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a crushing 99-72 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in their Eastern Conference semi-final opener on May 6th.

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (C) drives to the basket against Atlanta Hawks' Joe Johnson (L) and Ronald Murray during the first half of Game 1 of their NBA Eastern Conference semi-final playoff basketball game in Cleveland, Ohio. [Agencies]

James, who beat the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat for the MVP honour on Monday, also had 10 rebounds, four steals and three assists as the well-rested Cavaliers turned around an early five-point deficit.

The All-Star forward had 16 of his points in the first quarter, including a jumper that capped a 6-0 run. That spree gave the NBA's top regular-season team a lead that was never to be threatened.

Leading 49-44 at the half, Cleveland then turned up the pressure, outscoring the Hawks 50-28. The visitors had only 11 points in the fourth quarter.

Mo Williams added 21 points and Delonte West had 13 for the Cavaliers, who host game two on Thursday.

Josh Smith had 22 points for Atlanta and Mike Bibby contributed 19.

Cleveland had not played since April 26, sweeping the Detroit Pistons 4-0 in the opening round of the playoffs. Atlanta, however, was taken to Game Seven by the Miami Heat before winning the series 4-3 on Sunday.