MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A dunk from LeBron James started a decisive run for the lethargic Cleveland Cavaliers.
From there, the Central Division leaders overpowered the young Milwaukee Bucks.
James scored 28 points, J.R. Smith had 23 and Cleveland began a three-game road trip with a 108-90 win on Sunday in Milwaukee.
The Cavaliers trailed by nine at halftime and 11 in the third quarter. The Bucks seemed rejuvenated on their home floor while looking to end a long losing streak.
James had the final say.
First, he called out his teammates at halftime.
"I was frustrated with our play," James said. "I know when to press the button when need be and tonight was one of those nights when I needed to press the button."
Smith made three consecutive 3s to cap the 26-5 run that started with James' dunk, helping Cleveland to a 93-78 lead with 6:19 left. The final 3 came off a bad pass by John Henson that led to one of the Bucks' 23 turnovers.
"For any team, not just LeBron, when you give those guys free opportunities like that . . . they're going to make you pay for it and they did," Bucks coach Jason Kidd said.
James' dunk off a blocked shot pulled the Cavs within 73-69 with 1:19 left in the third quarter and started the big run. He stared down the Bucks after the bucket.
James outscored the Bucks on his own from that point, 19-17.
"I think our communication ramped up. We were just flying around and helping one another," said James, who was 10 of 17 from the field and grabbed 10 boards.
