He also endeared himself to Cleveland fans by flattening Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson on a drive in the first half. Stevenson has been a pest to the Cavs, engaging in a war of words with James in the playoffs two years ago.

"It hurt real bad, but that's part of basketball," Stevenson said of O'Neal's takedown. "He apologized at halftime, so it's all right."

The Cavs have been using the 7-foot-1 O'Neal and his 7-foot-3 backup, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, together with mixed results. But the pair are getting more comfortable and confident with every second they spend on the floor and have the potential to be a matchup nightmare for any team.

O'Neal alone is enough to deal with - even at age 37. He wasn't surprised the Wizards tried to guard him one on one, and he understands why.

"It's an age thing. I don't really take it personal," he said. "I just have to let them know I'm still here and have to be reckoned with. I understand I'm not 27 or 19."

Cleveland only led 78-73 after three, but the Cavs pushed their lead to 94-79 by making four 3s as James rested. He only played four minutes in the fourth.

Butler, back after missing one game with a bruised left knee, scored 17 in the first half but he and his teammates cooled off after halftime. Washington shot just 33 percent over the final three quarters.