Currently: - Game info: 7:30 pm EST Sat Dec 13, 2003
- TV: NBATV, WUAB
LeBron James said he is not yet the leader of the Cleveland Cavaliers. But the heralded rookie is well on his way to assuming that role.
James will look to continue his rapid development when Cleveland hosts the Boston Celtics at Gund Arena.
James, who leads the Cavs in scoring and rebounding, had one of his best games of the season Thursday, finishing with 23 points and nine assists in a 95-86 win over the Detroit Pistons. Still, he is reluctant to take control of the struggling franchise.
“I haven’t made myself the complete leader of this team,” James said.
However, with the Cavs winning just two of their last 11 games, he can see himself taking on a larger role.
“Oh, yeah,” he said. “It’s going to change.”
Second-year forward Carlos Boozer scored a career-high 28 points Thursday, helping to give the Cavs their first victory over a team with a winning record.
“We needed this win so bad,” Boozer said. “We have been struggling of late, and to be able to beat a good team like that is a huge lift.”
Beating the suddenly streaking Celtics might give Cleveland an even bigger lift.
Boston has won a season-high four straight, including a 114-111 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday. Paul Pierce, who had 33 points and 11 rebounds, said the Celtics are starting to feel comfortable together.
“We’re playing good basketball right now,” Pierce said. “We’re playing comfortably and having fun out there. Guys are responding. This is starting to come together.”
The Celtics, who did not reach 100 points in any of their first 14 games, have cracked that mark in three of their last five.
“I think our offense is really doing a hell of a job,” Celtics coach Jim O’Brien said.
The Celtics have shot 50 percent or better in six games thus far, one more than all of last season.
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