James helps Cavs cool down Heat

By Simon Evans

MIAMI (Reuters) - LeBron James scored 34 points as he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to 111-104 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday, despite Dwyane Wade's 36-point effort for the hosts.

Miami had won six of seven to start the season and while Wade was able to win the points duel between him and James, Cleveland's extra class showed through.

Speculation surrounds the futures of both Wade and James, who are both able to opt out of their contracts next year and the prospect of the duo teaming up in Miami next year was described as "improbable but not impossible" by Wade prior to the game.

"I enjoy playing LeBron probably more than anyone else in the league," Wade said of his good friend. "Over the course of our careers we are going to continue to have those battles."

Wade followed up on two recent 40-point performances against Washington with another prolific display; including a devastating first quarter dunk that left Cleveland's Brazilian center Anderson Varejao sitting on the floor.

"It's probably top ten of all time," said James, who has stated he will no longer discuss the issue of free agency.

"Being a fan of the game I know a lot of great dunks and while I love Andy, I am speaking as a fan."

While the dunk was the most spectacular moment of the night, it was the clinical way James finished off the game, with a three-pointer restoring a seven point lead with two minutes remaining, that pleased Cleveland coach Mike Brown the most.

"I was extremely impressed with the way that LeBron closed the game for us," Brown said.

"It might not show in the stats or look fancy or pretty but the show that he put on at the end to close the game the right way was outstanding.

"He was aggressive and he willed the end of the game to go the way it did. It was beautiful, flat out beautiful."

James was ably supported by Mo Williams (25 points).

Cleveland (6-3) who beat Orlando, the team that defeated them in last year's Eastern Conference finals, on Wednesday and with off-season signing Shaquille O'Neal looking solid, are showing early signs of championship quality.

O'Neal, however, knew Thursday's game had been about two other players.

"It is exciting watching Dwyane and LeBron go back and forth," he said. "Those two and Kobe (Bryant) are playing at a different level to anyone else."

(Editing by John O'Brien and Greg Stutchbury)