James scores 23, plays peacemaker in Cavaliers’ 99-89 win over New Jersey

James scores 23 points in Cavaliers’ win over Nets

CLEVELAND — LeBron James had 23 points, six rebounds and seven assists while adding the role of peacemaker to his duties, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the New Jersey Nets 99-89 on Tuesday night.

The Nets’ Devin Harris was ejected with 3:48 left in the game after committing a flagrant-2 foul on Cleveland’s Jamario Moon. With Cleveland leading by 11, Harris wrapped his arm around Moon’s face and neck and pulled him to the ground while Moon was going up for a breakaway basket. It caused a brief skirmish that left James squarely in the middle.

James wrapped his arms around Harris and tried to pull him away while restoring order as some of his teammates, including Shaquille O’Neal, began jawing and pushing their way toward Harris.

No punches were thrown and Harris was the only player ejected.

It was another ugly moment in a frustrating season for the Nets (2-23), who opened the year by losing a league-record 18 in a row.

Cleveland centers O’Neal and Zydrunas Ilgauskas combined for 32 points and 10 rebounds in producing the type of night the Cavaliers had hoped for when they acquired O’Neal during the offseason. The 16 points for Ilgauskas were a season high.

Brook Lopez had 22 points and 15 rebounds for New Jersey. Harris had 22 points and reserve Rafer Alston had 20 points.

The Nets were within two midway through the third when James stole a pass from Harris and scored after driving the length of the floor. It came in the midst of a furious 5-minute stretch for James, who scored 10 of the team’s 12 points to end the third quarter and start the fourth.

Cleveland’s Delonte West was inactive Tuesday, missing his ninth game as he continues to bounce in and out of the rotation. West has been dealing with personal problems all season, but had played in nine consecutive games prior to Tuesday.

The Nets played without Chris Douglas-Roberts and Keyon Dooling. Douglas-Roberts, who is averaging 16.2 points, missed his second straight game with a sprained left knee. Dooling missed his third straight game with strained hip flexors.

The Cavaliers have won eight straight at home.

NOTES: The Cavaliers have reached a deal to sell Tsingtao, a popular Chinese beer, inside the Q. The team is close to finalizing a sale of 15 percent of the franchise to Chinese investors. … Tony Battie, battling a strained groin, did not dress for New Jersey. … The Nets entered last in the league in points per game (89.3) and field goal percentage (41.5). … The Nets fell to 1-15 on the road.