James buzzer-beater lifts Cavs

Los Angeles: LeBron James drained a buzzer-beating game-winner on Wednesday as the Cleveland Cavaliers set aside their troubles with a 140-138 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

A Cavs team in free-fall got a desperately needed win thanks to James. With a second remaining in overtime he swatted away a shot by Minnesota’s Jimmy Butler.

He then seized an inbounds pass from Jeff Green, turned and fired over Butler for the desperately needed victory.

“It was a great win for us,” said James, who threw both arms in the air in triumph when his game-winner fell — capping a triple-double performance of 37 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds.

“The way we’ve been playing we needed that from him tonight,” said Cavs coach Tyronn Lue. “He was very special.”

The Cavs are now just 7-13 since Christmas.