PORTLAND, Ore. -- Just three games into the season, LeBron James is already experiencing the highs and lows of the NBA, and even the grind of the road.
And he wouldn't trade it for anything.
"This is everything I dreamed of," the league's most celebrated rookie said.
James had his first game with less than 20 points, scoring eight, in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 104-85 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night.
James was 3-for-12 from the floor, but did contribute six assists.
"I just didn't have my 'A' game," he said. "I just didn't play well."
The off-night came after James barreled into the season with 25 points, nine assists and six rebounds in the season opener last Wednesday at Sacramento.
The next night, he flirted with a triple-double in Phoenix, with 21 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.
"Three games in four nights is tough on anybody," Cavaliers coach Paul Silas said. "He's adapted so well the first couple of games, I think he fooled a lot of people. ... He is going to have some ups and downs."
Three games into the season, James remains the team's top scorer, averaging 18 points and 7.3 rebounds.
The Blazers found success with tenacious 5-foot-10 point guard Damon Stoudamire, who continually pestered the 6-foot 8, 240-pound James. The NBA's top draft pick had just two points and three assists in the first half of Saturday's game.
"I thought Damon put a lot of pressure on LeBron James," Blazers coach Maurice Cheeks said, adding: "You can see that he (James) has a knowledge of the game and good court vision but thankfully he didn't have one of his better games against us."
Zach Randolph had 21 points and 13 rebounds and Jeff McInnis came off the bench to score 15 points in the home opener for the Blazers, who got off to a slow start but eventually led by as many as 25.
With his mother looking on from a front row seat, James' game didn't pick up until the second half.
"I thought I was able to create for my teammates but I just couldn't get anything to fall with my shot," he said.
It remains to be seen whether James' first two games as a pro are the norm for him this season. One thing is for sure, the pressure on the teenager just out of high school will continue.
James was inundated by fans begging for his autograph after pre-game warmups Saturday. He dutifully answered questions from reporters both before and after the game.
As the lineups were announced, James was given a hearty ovation from the Portland fans, and flashbulbs twinkled each time he got under the net.
"I'm good. I don't feel the pressure," he said. "I just go out and play my game."
James, who has a $90 million endorsement deal with Nike, emerged afterward wearing a University of Oregon football jersey and cap. Oregon is Nike Chairman Phil Knight's alma mater.
On his wrists were bands inscribed "King James."
Silas says James may be young, but his game is much more advanced. And that's exactly what the Cavaliers are banking on.
Cleveland's home opener is Wednesday against Denver, a showdown between James and Nuggets rookie Carmelo Anthony.
"He's very playful at times," Silas said about his star rookie. "But as far as basketball is concerned, there's no way it's like he's only 18. He's much more mature."
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
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