Strong fourth quarter from Lebron James pushes Cleveland Cavaliers past Orlando Magic

After an altercation with Tobias Harris in the third quarter — which resulted in a double technical — Lebron James would go on to “deactiviate chill mode” and help lead his Cleveland Cavaliers to a 98-89 win over the Orlando Magic Friday night at Amway Center.

James, who outscored the Magic 15-14 in the fourth quarter, finished the game with 29 points, five rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and two steals.

“We just picked up the intensity,” said James after the game about the team’s second half performance. “ It was a tough back to back and an emotional day yesterday. We knew the young guys over there were going to be ready for us and in the first half they were. In the second half, we just slowed down, calmed down and went on the attack defensively.”

The Magic (11-21) saw five players score double digits points; Harris lead the team with 16 points. Center Nikola Vucevic would contribute 12 points, eight rebounds, and seven dimes, setting a career high in assist.

“I think overall he just has to take what we wants and so sometimes he’s going to have his jumpers, sometimes he’s going to be able to back guys down, just timing, scoring, what do we need at the time. I thought early on in the game he was setting the table by getting guys open shots,” said Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn about the potential 2015 NBA all star.

Orlando will travel to Charlotte to face the Hornets tomorrow, Dec. 27, for the first of a two-game away trip before returning home on Tuesday, Dec. 30 to face the Detroit Pistons.