James scores 25 points, Cavaliers roll past Magic 111-76
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- LeBron James had 25 points and eight assists and the Cleveland Cavaliers rolled past the Orlando Magic 111-76 on Friday night.
Timofey Mozgov added 17 points as Cleveland claimed its 12th straight win over the Orlando.
The game marked the season debut of Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert, who had been out since injuring his right wrist before training camp. He played 25 minutes and made 5 of 7 shots while scoring 14 points.
Cleveland never trailed in the game, breaking it open with a spurt late the second quarter. The Cavs started the third quarter with a 20-4 run and led by as many as 40 in the second half.
Nik Vucevic led the Magic with 14 points.
Orlando has lost three of its last four.
After being relatively quiet for most of the first half, James caught fire just before halftime, scoring 12 points during a 14-1 Cavaliers' run that put Cleveland up by 20.
Eight of James' points during the run came after the Magic inserted rookie Mario Hezonja into the game for the first time.
James quickly exploited the matchup, completing a three-point play after being fouled by Hezonja on a fast break. A few possessions later, he posted up the rookie and slid under him for another basket.
The Magic entered the night averaging 101 points per game, but struggled offensively throughout.
Starters Tobias Harris and Channing Frye were each held scoreless, going a combined 0 for 8 from the field.
TIP-INS
James' eight assists led to 19 Cavaliers' points. ... Cleveland outscored the Magic 31-17 in the second quarter and 30-15 in the third. ... The Cavaliers were plus-18 points with James on the floor in the first half. ... The loss was Orlando's largest margin of defeat this season. The previous was a 117-103 loss at Cleveland Nov. 23. ... The Magic held a moment of silence before tip-off for NBA Hall of Famer Dolph Schayes, who died at age 87 on Thursday.
UP NEXT
Cavaliers: Visit the Celtics on Tuesday night.
