LeBron James scores 61, setting career-high and Heat-best

LeBron James put on the best scoring show of his NBA life Monday night, pouring in 61 points - a career high and franchise record - as the Miami Heat beat the Charlotte Bobcats 124-107

It was the eighth straight win for the two-time defending champions, who are starting to roll as the playoffs get near.

James made 22 of 33 shots from the field, including his first eight 3-point attempts.

His career best had been 56 points, on March 20, 2005, for Cleveland against Toronto. Glen Rice scored 56 to set the Heat record on April 15, 1995, against Orlando.

Al Jefferson had 38 points and 19 rebounds for the Bobcats, his huge night merely an afterthought.