CLEVELAND, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- LeBron James played the Grinch to the Miami Heat, pouring in 25 points and dishing 12 assists Tuesday in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 96-82 Christmas Day win.
Drew Gooden added 18 points and nine rebounds, while Daniel Gibson chipped in 16 points, including four three-pointers. Anderson Varejao finished with 15 points and seven boards, while Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 13 points and eight rebounds.
It was the first time Cleveland played host to a Christmas Day game since the 1984-85 season.
Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 22 points and eight assists. Ricky Davis added 15 and Shaquille O'Neal had 13 points and nine boards before fouling out as the Heat lost for the first time in four games.
At 8-20, the Heat have the worst record in the Eastern Conference.
The Cavaliers used a 15-0 streak to break the game open. James stole a Udonis Haslem pass and raced to a one-handed slam to cap the run. That put Cleveland up 67-59 with 1:48 to play in the third quarter.
