NBA : James lights up Pistons
LeBron James used one of the most spectacular performances in playoff history to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers to the verge of their greatest season.
James’ career playoff-high 48 points – including 29 of his team’s final 30 – carried the Cavaliers to within a win of reaching the NBA finals for the first time in franchise history with a 109-107 double-overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night in Auburn Hills, Mich.
James made a go-ahead layup with 2.2 seconds left and Detroit’s Chauncey Billups missed a shot in the lane on the ensuing possession.
James was 18 of 33 from the field, making both of his 3-pointers, and 10 of 14 from the free-throw line.
He also had nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals in a performance that might end up being a defining game of his career.
The Pistons blew a seven-point lead with 3:15 left in regulation and lost the third straight game in the series after winning the first two at home.
Detroit seemed to finally put a complete game together and each of its starters scored at least 10.
Richard Hamilton scored 26, Chauncey Billups had 21 and Chris Webber scored 20 for Detroit. Rasheed Wallace had 17 points and Tayshaun Prince added 10.
Game 6 is Saturday night in Cleveland. If necessary, Game 7 will be Monday night back at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Around the league
Steve Kerr will be hired as president and general manager of the Phoenix Suns, a person with knowledge of the hiring said. Kerr can’t officially take the job until he completes his obligations as an analyst for TNT during the playoffs. He would replace Mike D’Antoni, who holds the titles of general manager and head coach. The move will allow D’Antoni to concentrate on coaching. … Jim O’Brien was hired as coach of the Indiana Pacers. O’Brien previously coached in Boston and Philadelphia, compiling a 182-158 record in five seasons. He has been out of coaching since he was fired by the 76ers after the 2005 season. … Michael Jordan is surrounding himself with old colleagues in his second stint running a team. The Charlotte Bobcats hired Rod Higgins, his former teammate and aide, as general manager. … Former Phoenix assistant coach Marc Iavaroni was hired as the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies.