Something was different about LeBron James as he led the Cavaliers to a win over the Bulls in Game 2.
And it wasn't just the headband.
James poured in 33 points, 14 more than he had in Game 1, and Cleveland beat Chicago 106-91 on Wednesday night to even their Eastern Conference semifinal series at 1-1.
After shooting 9-of-22 in Monday's 99-92 loss, James had 22 points in the first half of this one, helping the Cavaliers build a big lead on the way to a much-needed win with the series shifting to Chicago for the next two games.
The short-handed Cavs controlled play except for a two-minute span in the third quarter when the Bulls scored 14 straight points to cut into a 25-point deficit.
James donned his trademark headband for the first time in almost two months and added eight rebounds, five assists and two steals for the No. 2-seeded Cavs.
Kyrie Irving chipped in 21 points in the win and James Jones and Iman Shumpert combined for 32 with nine 3-pointers between them.
Jimmy Butler scored 18 points to lead the third-seeded Bulls and Derrick Rose had 14 points and 10 assists.
Game 3 is Friday.
[SportsNetwork.com]
