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LeBron James and Dwyane Wade each did their share of scoring on Monday night, but it was James’ defense late in the game that separated the two.

James intercepted a pass by Wade in the final minute, leading to two game-winning free throws for the Cavaliers’ superstar.

Wade attempted a behind-the-back pass to Udonis Haslem with under 10 seconds remaining, but the risky pass was swiped up by James. The reigning league MVP proceeded to sprint the other way and attempt a layup before being tackled by Quentin Richardson. James remained on the floor for several minutes holding his head and wearing a pained looking on his face. 

Still, it didn’t seem to faze him once he headed to the stripe as he knocked down both of his free-throw attempts, giving the Cavaliers a one-point advantage.

After the steal and free-throws, the Heat still had a chance to win the game with the Cavaliers holding just a 92-91 lead. As expected, Miami put the ball in the hands of Wade, who missed a mid-range jumper over the outstretched hands of James as time expired.

“I hadn’t guarded (Wade) all night, but in that position I have to take it,” said James after the game. ”I feel it’s my responsibility to guard him on that last possession.”

It was a game marred by offensive struggles as both teams shots under 46 percent from the field and under 7o percent from the foul line.

The result was added pressure on James and Wade to deliver, which they both did with great success.

James finished with 32 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Wade finished with 32 points, 1o rebounds and five assists.

Although statistically they put up very similar numbers, when it mattered most James outdid his friend.

In the final minute James scored two points, Wade scored zero.

“Who ever got the last stop was going to win the game,” said James. “Luckily it was us.”

The Cavaliers’ victory is impressive, not only because they continue to win without guards Mo Williams and Delonte West, but because of how poorly they played out of the gate.

There were few bright spots in the opening quarter for the Cavaliers, aside from an eight-point quarter by Shaquille O’Neal. They repeatedly dribbled off their own feet, threw lazy passes and stood around in the period and headed into the second trailing 34-24.

“We started off slow,” said Cavs coach Mike Brown. ”This is probably about as slow as I’ve seen us start any game.”

The Cavs quickly woke up in the second quarter and began playing inspired basketball at both ends of the court.

They began the period with a 15-4 run, during which time the Heat shot 0-12 from the floor.

It wasn’t until a Wade jumper nearly nine minutes into the period that Miami made their first field goal of the quarter. By that time their comfortable lead had been virtually wiped away by the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers.

The last few minutes before halftime became a shootout between the two stars, who put on a brilliant show for the fans at American Airlines Arena.

James and Wade scored 32 of the half’s final 36 points, matching oneanother shot-for-shot several times over that time.

At halftime the Heat held a 54-50 lead, with the Wade-James tally at 30-24.

The third quarter was a bit of a snoozer as the two teams combined for just 32 points.

The main reason was the lack of scoring from James and Wade. They focused on getting others involved during the third, resulting in just four third-quarter points for James and zero for Wade.

In the fourth James didn’t have to rely on himself to do it all, contrary to what has happened late in games all-season long, as O’Neal, Daniel Gibson, Jawad Williams and Anderson Varejao all hit big shots. Gibson and Williams weren’t getting serious playing just a few weeks ago, but injuries have forced them into crunch-time minutes.

“We got guys that can step in,” said James. ”It gives a lot of confidence to the guys who are coming in.”

Gibson finished the game with 15 points, including 4-6 from beyond the arc, O’Neal scored 19 and Varejao added 13.

O’Neal has now scored in double-figures in 15 of the Cavaliers last 16 games as he continues to grow comfortable in Brown’s system.

“He got some great looks for us, whether it was for him scoring, especially late, or for others,” said Brown.

The Cavaliers have now won five games in a row.

“Our guys picked it up as the game went on,” said Brown. “It was a great team win. We had a lot of guys with great individual performances.”