NBA: Cleveland 93, Washington 86

Cleveland -- LeBron James scored 32 points Saturday, pacing Cleveland's 93-86 win over Washington in the first game of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

James scored 20 points in the second half. He also finished with six rebounds and four assists.

It was the Cavaliers' seventh straight playoff victory against Washington. They have eliminated the Wizards the last two seasons.

Washington led 83-82 before James, who missed his first four shots, sank two free throws, giving his team an 84-83 advantage and Cleveland used a game-ending 11-2 run.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 22 with 11 rebounds for the Cavs. Delonte West scored 16 points, and Daniel Gibson had 11 points and five assists.

Washington was led by Antawn Jamison's 23 points with 19 rebounds. Gilbert Arenas scored 24 points.

Brendan Haywood added 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Caron Butler added 14 points, four assists and four rebounds.

Game 2 is in Cleveland Monday night.

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Copyright 2008 by United Press International.