USA/CAN - LeBron edges Wade in clash of Team USA stars

MIAMI (NBA) - Cleveland's LeBron James and Miami's Dwyane Wade put on a show on Monday that would have reminded everyone why the USA will be tough to beat at the 2010 FIBA World Championship should the duo continue to turn out for the national team.

James had 42 points to lead Eastern Conference leaders Cleveland (47-12) to a 107-100 triumph at Miami (31-28), who got 41 points from Wade.

"We were both out there just trying to make plays," Wade said.

"It was just two good players doing whatever they could to try to help their team get a win.”

The game brought back memories of a classic battle between James and Wade back in 2006.

In that April game, James had 47 points and Wade 44, with the Cavs prevailing over Miami.

'I don't like these [shootouts with James] if I'm going to keep coming out on the `L' side of them," Wade said.

Cleveland playmaker Mo Williams demonstrated once again why he should merit strong consideration for Team USA duty with a 30-point haul for the Cavs, who came from behind and outscored the Heat 31-18 in the fourth quarter.

In another game, David West had 30 points and nine boards and United States point guard Chris Paul poured in 16 and dished out 12 assists in New Orleans’ 98-91 triumph at the Wachovia Center over Philadelphia.

The Hornets are looking to go deeper in the play-offs this season after a Western Conference semi-final exit last term.

They are now 37-22 while Philadelphia slumped to 29-30.

Oklahoma City upset the visiting Dallas Mavericks 96-87 with Serbia international Nenad Krstic enjoying one of his finest games as an NBA player.

Krstic, a vital member of the Blues squad that will play at this year's EuroBasket in Poland, had a game-high 26 points and six rebounds while Swiss international Thabo Sefolosha contributed 15 points and seven boards.

Krstic joined the Thunder over the Christmas and New Year's Holiday while Sefolosha arrived recently in a trade from Chicago.

Dirk Nowitzki of Germany scored 28 points and handed out six assists for the Mavs.

San Antonio prevailed 106-78 over the Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta thumped Washington 98-89 in Monday’s other games.

FIBA