(CNN Philippines) — LeBron James and J.R. Smith took over in the fourth quarter to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a rousing 97-89 Game 1 win over the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference finals.
Smith, who shot a franchise-best eight three-pointers on his way to a playoff career-high 28 points, instigated an 11-0 barrage to open the fourth quarter and give Cleveland a commanding 85-67 spread.
But the Hawks, the best team in the East, refused to fold in the face of the Cavs’ relentless attack.
When they seemed on the ropes late in the final quarter, the Hawks played with an underdog’s gusto and propelled a 13-1 run that trimmed the once 18-point gap to four, 91-87, on five points by Kent Bazemore with under two minutes left.
Aware of the imminent danger, James decided to take matters into his own hands.
The King breezed through two defenders on top of the key for a breakaway dunk followed by two free throws that put the Cavs on top for good, 95-87.
James finished with 31 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
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