James scores 30 to lead Heat over Charlotte

LeBron James scored 30 points while reserve Michael Beasley added 15 to spark the reigning NBA champion Miami Heat over host Charlotte 97-81. James, who played 32 minutes, went 13-of-18 from the field and added seven assists to help lead Miami to a third triumph in a row and sixth victory in seven games. The Heat, who lost two of three to open the season, defeated the Bobcats for a 13th consecutive time despite 22 points from Kemba Walker. Miami has not lost to Charlotte since James joined the Heat. Jeff Taylor scored 14 points for the Bobcats while Gerald Henderson added 13 points and seven rebounds. The Bobcats pulled level at 47-47 early in the second half after falling behind by 16 points in the second quarter, but Beasley sparked an 8-0 Miami run for a 62-53 edge and Charlotte never came closer than six points again. Heat point guard Mario Chalmers missed the game while serving a one-game suspension for throwing a forearm at Dirk Nowitzki in Friday's victory over Dallas. Norris Cole started in place of Chalmers and contributed eight points, seven rebounds and five assists. Source: AFP