LeBron James: "I had to make a difference"

LeBron James has insisted that he needed to "make a difference" in order to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers to victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

After missing his first 10 shots of the night, the four-time MVP scored 37 points, including the game-clinching shots in overtime to secure the 114-111 win.

The forward told ESPN: "Started out the game just out of character, out of rhythm. But I had to make a difference. It's a great feeling to be able to make plays for your teammates. I'm happy I was able to make a few."

The teams meet again on Tuesday, when a win will hand Cleveland the series.