CLEVELAND, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Steve Francis scored seven of his 18 points in a decisive run Wednesday night to lead Houston to a 89-85 victory over Cleveland.
With 5:21 left, rookie LeBron James beat the shot clock with a jump shot to put the Cavaliers ahead, 78-71. But Francis started a 12-point surge for the Rockets with a three-pointer.
James got Cleveland within 87-85 on a long three-pointer off the glass with 9.8 seconds left. Francis answered with a pair of free throws to ice the game.
James scored 11 of his 17 points in the second half. Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 19 points for the Cavaliers, who have lost three in a row and 12 of 14.
The three players the Cavaliers acquired in Monday's deal with Boston made positive debuts. Tony Battie scored 14 points and Eric Williams and Kedrick Brown each chipped in 11.
