Three years ago, he missed a last-second shot in the midst of a Cavaliers losing streak and was so frustrated after the game he had tears in his eyes in the locker room. The next two seasons the Cavs were blown off the floor, and James was constantly reminded that contemporary Carmelo Anthony owned an impressive 7-2 record against him.

About the only positive moment James has enjoyed in the Mile High City was when he started his first All-Star Game here in 2005.

So Friday night was rather cathartic for several reasons, not the least of which was him leading the Cavs to an impressive 105-88 victory.

James was at the top of his game, putting up 33 points with 10 rebounds and eight assists as the Cavs (22-4) scored perhaps their best win of the season considering the opponent and the location. It was the closest he's been to a triple double this season.

The Cavs star hit his first six shots to help the team build a massive lead that the Nuggets never could come close to overcoming. It was the team's best road win of the season, pushing them to 9-4 away from home.

The victory also moved the Cavaliers past the Los Angeles Lakers for the second-best record in the NBA.

Whether it was laser-accurate passes or brute moves to the basket or off-balance jumpers with defenders all over him, James had one of his most manly efforts on the year as he finished 13-of-20 from the floor

It helped James that the starting lineup was whole again.

Despite the team trainers being a little skittish, Zydrunas Ilgauskas declared his ankle ready to go just before game time. Surprisingly, Ilgauskas showed not even a hint of rust, and it changed the team's offensive dynamic, which had been lacking.

Ilgauskas drilled his first six shots on his way to 23 points on the night, which tied his season high. He did it with a series of jumpers, including two 3-pointers, that stretched the Nuggets' usually strong defense thin.

He also dominated his competition, Nene, who finished with just one point and three rebounds.

It wasn't James' best night on defense, but he did the same to Anthony, who had just 13 points and fouled out with five minutes to play.

Add in Delonte West, who continued his slump-busting week as his outside jumper returned on his way to a season-high 22 points, and the Cavs' offense was rolling again after averaging less than 95 points in the time Ilgauskas was out.

The three of them combined to go 30-of-47 from the floor, which helped the Cavs easily put up points.

The only downfall was a few periods of weak defense. The Cavs allowed the Nuggets (17-9) to score 32 points in the second quarter, and coach Mike Brown called an angry timeout early in the third quarter when the Nuggets cut a once-mighty lead down to just 10 points.

The Cavs allowed just eight points over the last 10 minutes of the quarter and were able to coast to the win.