LeBron James scored 22 points and handed out 11 assists to guide the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 110-99 win over the Denver Nuggets yesterday.

James also had eight rebounds as he helped lead the Cavaliers (7-2) to their sixth straight victory.

It was Denver's first defeat since acquiring point guard Chauncey Billups in a trade with the Detroit Pistons last week and left them at 4-4.

The veteran Billups, an All-Star and NBA champion, turned in his best individual effort with his new team, recording 26 points on 9-for-13 shooting to go with six assists.

The Nuggets were unable to slow Cleveland's offensive surge in the third quarter, where the home team scored 30 points and closed with a 10-3 spurt to snatch an 88-81 advantage.

Cleveland's new acquisition, Mo Williams, led the team with 24 points, making three 3-pointers, while reserve Daniel Gibson added 15.

Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony had 18 points and eight rebounds in a losing effort.