CLEVELAND, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- LeBron James exploded for 45 points Friday, helping Cleveland surge past the New York Knicks 110-106.
New York led 34-32 after the first period, but Cleveland forged a 55-54 advantage at the half.
New York used an 11-2 run to open a 78-69 lead in the middle of the third, but James and Damon Jones hit back-to-back three-pointers to pull the Cavs within 78-75.
New York led 80-75 heading into the fourth, but could not sustain its momentum.
Cleveland also got 24 points from Daniel Gibson, 14 points and six rebounds from Drew Gooden, and seven assists and seven rebounds from James in its home-opener.
New York's Jamal Crawford had 25 points and six assists.
The frontcourt duo of Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph combined for 39 points and 21 rebounds, while reserve Nate Robinson had 19 points and six rebounds for the Knicks, who have dropped two straight.
