LeBron James dropped 43 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night to lead the Miami Heat to a close 100-96 win over his former team.

After a 37-25 first quarter it looks like the Heat will easily win-- and cover the 9.5 spread as favourites. However, the Cavs, which were playing without star point guard Kyrie Irving, made a game out of it after dominating the middle quarters—29-22 in the second and 25-20 in the third.

The game was tied entering the payoff period but Miami—specifically, LeBron— took over when it mattered the most.

View the slideshow for more stats and facts in the Heat-Cavaliers game.

NBA Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers made a run in the second and third quarters but couldn't get the job done in the payoff period. Reuters
NBA Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers
The Heat allowed the Cavaliers to shoot above 50 per cent from the field but won had more steals (10-6), blocked shots (7-5) and forced more turnovers (14-19). Reuters
NBA Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James had a total of 43 points-- 31 coming in the first half. The King cooled off in the second half with just 12 points. Reuters
NBA Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers
Of course, LeBron also filled the stat sheet: 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocked shots including two kingly, crucial swats inside the final two minutes. Reuters
NBA Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron is now 13-1 all-time against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Reuters