James’ triple-double leads Cavaliers to victory

LeBron James had 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, while Antawn Jamison scored 24 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Chicago Bulls 121-98 last night to take a 3-1 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series.



The Cavaliers led by 10 at halftime after scoring 38 in the second quarter and broke it open with a 37-point third, putting them in position to win the series at home tomorrow.



At Miami, Dwayane Wade set franchise playoff records with 46 points, including 30 in the second half, as the heat staved off elimination by beating Boston 101-92 in Game 4 of an Eastern Conference first-round series.



Desperate to extend their season, Miami opened the fourth quarter on a 25-8 run, fueled mostly by Wade, who made 16-of-24 shots from the field.



Quentin Richardson scored 20 points and Michael Beasley added 15 for the Heat, who still trail the best-of-seven series 3-1.



At San Antonio, George Hill scored 29 points, helping the Spurs overcome a miserable night from Tim Duncan and take a 3-1 lead over Dallas in its first-round series.



Spurs won the game 92-89. Game 5 is tomorrow night in Dallas.



At Salt Lake City, Carlos Boozer had 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Deron Williams added 24 points and 13 assists as the Utah Jazz held off a late charge to beat Denver 117-106 for a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference playoff series.



Game 5 is Wednesday in Denver, where the Nuggets will need to win at home to stay alive.