LeBron James scores 38 in homecoming as Miami Heat rout the Cleveland Cavaliers

It was not a warm homecoming but it was a spectacular one as LeBron James scored a game-high 38 points to lead the Miami Heat to a convincing 118-90 triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.

Returning to Cleveland for the first time since announcing he was "taking his talents to South Beach" to form a super team in Miami with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, James received the hostile reception he expected from jilted fans who booed him each time he touched the ball.     

But if the jeers affected James it did show in his play, as the two-time league most valuable player delivered the type of performance that only reminded Cleveland of what they were missing.

James's homecoming was highlighted by a sensational third quarter that included 24 points from the six-time All-Star that put the contest out of reach. 

He also contributed eight assists and five rebounds as the Heat grabbed their third straight win.