James, the reigning MVP, poured in 38 points and had eight assists. O'Neal, a 15-time All-Star who was traded to the Cavaliers from the Phoenix Suns in the offseason, tallied 10 points and 10 rebounds in a rare home loss for the Cavs.

Last season, the Cavaliers won their first 23 home games, on the way to a 39-2 mark at Quicken Loans Arena.

Kevin Garnett, the 2007-08 defensive player of the year who missed 25 games last season because of knee surgery, scored 13 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and blocked three shots for Boston.

The Celtics, who were ousted by Orlando in seven games in the conference semifinals, just one year after winning an NBA title, won their first game in Cleveland since December 18, 2004. Boston had lost 11 in a row at Quicken Loans Arena, including the playoffs.

Rasheed Wallace, who spent the last five-plus seasons with Detroit before joining the Celtics this past summer, hit 3-of-6 three-point attempts for a 12-point night. Ray Allen scored 16, while Rajon Rondo ended with eight points, six rebounds and 10 assists.

The Cavaliers won the Central Division title last year and lost in six games to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals.

When O'Neal was introduced in Cleveland his rallying cry was "win a ring for the King," referring to helping James break Cleveland's championship hex. The city hasn't won a major sports championship since 1964, when the Browns captured the NFL crown.

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