NBA Notebook | Cavs' LeBron James, Zydrunas Ilgauskas set steals, rebound marks

CLEVELAND — LeBron James and Zydrunas Ilgauskas made more history together Tuesday night.

Cleveland's superstar forward became the franchise's career leader in steals while Ilgauskas, the Cavaliers' beloved big man, moved to the top of the team's rebounding chart.

By swiping a Toronto pass in the opening minute, James eclipsed Mark Price's steals record. Price set the previous standard of 734 steals in 582 career games for Cleveland from 1986-95. James, already the Cavaliers' all-time leading scorer, has played in just 412 games since turning pro in 2003.

During a timeout, James' record was announced and Cleveland's crowd rose and gave a standing ovation for the Olympic gold medalist, who raised his arms overhead in return.

Ilgauskas, who has overcome numerous injuries to both feet during 11 seasons in the league, overtook Brad Daugherty (5,227) as the Cavs' top rebounder in the second quarter.

On a missed three-pointer by Jason Kapono, both Ilgauskas and James were in perfect position to grab the ball. But when James realized Ilgauskas was next to him, he pulled his hands away so the man they call "Z" could bend down and pick the ball off the floor.

Celtics on way to best start

WALTHAM, Mass. — Larry Bird's Celtics never did it. Neither did Bob Cousy's. None of the franchise's 17 championship teams did it either.

With a win Thursday night in Washington, the group led by Paul Pierce can do what never has been done in club history — start a season with a 21-2 record.

Notes

• Portland swingman Martell Webster, the former Seattle Prep star, will be sidelined for an estimated four weeks after experiencing pain in his left foot during Sunday's game at Toronto.

• Charlotte was closing in Tuesday night on signing veteran forward Juwan Howard, who had been without a job since being released by Denver last month.

• Josh Howard put his problematic left ankle into a walking boot Tuesday, and the Dallas Mavericks don't know how long they'll be without their second-leading scorer and rebounder. The former All-Star had missed eight straight games because of the injury.

• Antonio McDyess has re-signed with the Detroit Pistons a month after being dealt to Denver as part of the Allen Iverson trade.