CLEVELAND — United for only one goal, LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal took their first step together toward an NBA title.
Cleveland’s superstars, separated for a large chunk of the regular season, combined for 36 points and seven blocks as the Cavaliers opened the Eastern Conference playoffs with a 96-83 win over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.
James had 24 points and four blocks and a slimmed-down O’Neal, playing for the first time since Feb. 25, scored 12 in 24 minutes as the top-seeded Cavs won a testy opener between two teams that obviously don’t care for each other.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Monday in Cleveland.
Derrick Rose had 28 points and 10 assists for Chicago.
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