King James and Cavs hold off Celtics in overtime

LeBron James at the ripe old age of 22 (he turns 23 on December 30), is playing the best basketball of his life. Last night, he had a game-high 38 points and 13 assists (plus 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks) as his Cavs (9-6) outlasted the visiting Celtics (11-2), 109-104 in overtime.

Late in the fourth quarter, Boston actually had a great chance to at least take the lead but the normally money Ray Allen missed both free-throws to keep the game tied at 92 with 23 seconds left. The Cavs gave it to LeBron and in a typical NBA last-possession, he stood around (while everyone scattered) until about five seconds were left then he dribbled just inside the three-point line and fired up a tough jumper that didn't go in. Gotta hate those only in the NBA moments. The Celtics before this season (with Allen and Kevin Garnett) were famous for those in the last few years as Pierce would take contested last-second shots with two or three guys hanging all over him.

Cleveland is the top rebounding team in the NBA and they grabbed 47 boards to Boston's 40. Drew Gooden had a season-high 24 points and 15 rebounds while Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 15 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and four blocks. Sasha Pavlovic added 16 points and five boards. LeBron took over in the extra frame, scoring 11 points on two baskets and six free-throws.

Allen led the Celtics with a team-high 29 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Garnett (for him) had a quiet night with 19 points, five rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Paul Pierce notched 16 points, six boards and five assists while Kendrick Perkins and James Posey both had 11 points. Rajon Rondo had a shooting line reminiscent of last year (1 of 9) as he finished with three points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Another key for the Cavs was the free throw line as they made eight more free throws (28-20). Cleveland also outshot Boston 48.1% to 43.0% for the game.

It was a tough loss but if these teams were to meet in the playoffs, the Celtics would have to be favored. They have more depth and more scoring options. No team in the NBA puts as much pressure on one player as the Cavs do with LeBron. Obviously the guy can deliver as he almost single-handedly brought them to the Finals last season but that's still not a formula built for consistent results.

The Celtics come home to the Knicks tomorrow night. As widely reported, New York has been mostly a mess this season so it should make for some entertaining action.