CLEVELAND, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Paul Pierce upstaged LeBron James with 41 points and a strip of the rookie down the stretch Saturday to lead Boston to a 105-98 win over Cleveland.
Boston has beaten Cleveland 12 straight times.
James, the teenage rookie phenom, scored a season-high 37 points, making 10-of-20 shots and 16-of-18 free throws. He dueled Pierce in the second half, trading baskets with the two-time All-Star.
Pierce made 12-of-25 shots and 16-of-18 free throws in his 15th career 40-point game.
A drive by James had pulled Cleveland within 100-98 with 27 seconds to play. Mike James made two free throws for Boston before James again tried to drive. But Pierce slapped the ball away.
Pierce has 110 points in his last three games.
Darius Miles scored 24 points for the Cavaliers, who have lost 10 of 12.
