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James, Cavs open three-game road trip

Jan 15, 2008 - 2:26 PM Cleveland (19-18) at Memphis (10-27) 8:00 pm EST

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) - LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers look to start their three-game road trip on a positive note when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. James came up big once again on Friday, posting 31 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists as Cleveland held on for a 113-106 double-overtime win over the Charlotte Bobcats.

"My team needs me to make big plays down the stretch and that's what I did," James said. "It wasn't just me, though. Everybody made plays."

Cleveland has captured eight of its last 11 games overall behind the efforts of James, who is averaging 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.8 assists in his last six outings.

Despite getting huge performances by Pau Gasol and Mike Miller, the Grizzlies dropped their fourth consecutive game with Sunday's 100-99 setback to the Los Angeles Lakers. Gasol had 21 points and 18 rebounds while Miller scored 27 points.

Gasol could have his work cut out for in this one with Cleveland center and fellow 7-footer Zydrunas Ilgauskas protecting the basket. Gasol's averaging 24.3 points in nine career meetings.