James has impressive playoff debut

LeBron James was more than ready for his NBA playoff debut, recording a triple-double while leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 97-86 win over the visitng Washington Wizards in their Eastern Conference series opener on Saturday.

James, playing his first postseason game since winning a state title as a high school senior, scored 32 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists -- including a no-look number late in the third quarter.

"He's played on big stages his whole life," Cavs forward Drew Gooden said. "It's expected of him."

"Nothing he does surprises me anymore," Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas said. "He's just a terrific player. He's a tremendous luxury to have, knowing he can go out there any time and put up numbers like that."

Spurs cruise

The San Antonio Spurs got their NBA title defense off to a blazing start with 25 points from speedy Tony Parker in a 122-88 victory against Sacramento. Nick Van Exel scored 11 points in the decisive second quarter.

Heat win opener

Dwyane Wade scored 30 points, including six straight in the fourth quarter to lead the Heat back from their only deficit of the night for a 111-106 victory against the Chicago Bulls.

Wade added 11 assists.

Shaquille O'Neal added a monster night, 27 points and 16 rebounds for Miami -- which played the last 8.6 seconds without Wade, who hobbled to the locker room apparently riddled by cramps.

Ben Gordon scored 35 points and Andres Nocioni had an 18-point, 15-rebound effort for Chicago.

-- The Associated Press