LeBron, West power Cavaliers to brink of advancing

LeBron James scored 34 points and Delonte West added 21, including the game-winning basket with 5.4 seconds remaining Sunday to give Cleveland a 100-97 NBA playoff victory over Washington.

The victory gave the Cavaliers a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and the Cavaliers, defending Eastern Conference champions, can advance to the second round with a home triumph in game five on Wednesday.

Daniel Gibson sank a 3-pointer to give Cleveland a 97-91 lead but the Wizards answered on a Caron Butler basket, two free throws by Gilbert Arenas and a bank-shot equalizing jumper by Arenas with 28 seconds to play.

James dribbled near mid-court as the seconds ticked off the clock, then drove to the basket. When Washington's defenders moved to stop him, James flipped the ball to West, who drained the 3-pointer to beat his hometown team.

"LeBron did a great job of drawing the defense and finding the open man," West said.

The Wizards had the ball with five seconds remaining and went to Arenas, but his 3-point attempt over West bounced off the rim at the final buzzer.

West, 24, spent three years with Boston and could see his former teammates again in the second round should the Cavaliers advance and the top-seeded Celtics get past Atlanta.

James, who also contributed 12 rebounds and seven assists, said the game winner will give West an edge for later in the playoffs.

"That shot did more for his confidence," James said. "Just knowing I have the confidence in him in that situation matters. It means a lot more to him than anything."

Daniel Gibson added 12 points, all on 3-pointers, for Cleveland.

Antawn Jamison scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Wizards, who are on the brink of losing a first-round series for the ninth time in their past 10 tries and being bounced out by Cleveland for the third year in a row.

Washington's only playoff series victory since 1982 came in 2005 when they defeated Chicago in six games.