Completely healthy and well rested, the Cavaliers took their first step toward an NBA title on Saturday as LeBron James scored 24 points and Shaq looked and played 10 years younger in a 96-83 victory over the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference series.

“We,” James said, “have the look of a champion.”

Derrick Rose had 28 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds for Chicago, who nearly clawed their way back from a 22 point deficit and cut it to 82-75 at one point in the 4th quarter.

Sharp shooter Mo Williams added 19 points and 10 assists, and Antawn Jamison, acquired at the trade deadline from Washington, had 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Cavs blocked 12 shots — 10 in the second half.

Game 2 is Monday in Cleveland.

In other playoff action:

• The Atlanta Hawks used a balanced effort from all 5 starters and 6th man Jamal Crawford to take down the Milwaukee Bucks 102-92 in Game 1 of their series. Joe Johnson led the team with 22 points and 7 rebounds; who overcame Brandon Jennings’ 34 points.
• The Boston Celtics locked down on Dwyane Wade and the Heat as they held Miami to 32 second half points to pull out an 85-76 Game 1 victory.
• Carmelo Anthony scored a playoff career high 42 points and J.R. Smith knocked down a flurry of trey’s in the 4th quarter to lead the Nuggets to a 126-113 win over the Utah Jazz in Game 1 of their series. Get your favorite team hats here!

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