THE Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back as LeBron James returned to inspire a 100-96 win over the Indiana Pacers.James sat out the Cavs’ 113-99 loss to the Washington Wizards in the NBA on Sunday, with coach Tyronn Lue opting to rest the four-time MVP.
James returned to the court refreshed in Cleveland on Monday, posting a game-high 33 points.
Tristan Thompson was also immense for the Cavs, putting the hosts ahead 96-94 with 39 seconds remaining after team-mate Matthew Dellavedova had levelled proceedings from three-point range.
Thompson then blocked Pacers star Paul George (23 points) as Kyrie Irving (22 points) sealed the win via four free throws.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triple-double helped the Milwaukee Bucks past the Houston Rockets 128-121.
Antetokounmpo recorded 18 points, 17 rebounds and 11 assists for the Bucks, who almost surrendered a 13-point lead late in the game.
The Bucks were also led by a career-high 36 points from Jabari Parker, while Khris Middleton contributed 30.
Dwight Howard (30 points, 13 rebounds) and Trevor Ariza (20 points, 11 assists) both had double-doubles for the Rockets.
In other results, the Boston Celtics pipped the Utah Jazz 100-95 to extend their winning streak at home to 11 games.
The Memphis Grizzlies overcame the Denver Nuggets 103-96 and the Wizards rallied to beat the lowly Philadelphia 76ers 116-108, the Oklahoma City Thunder were too good for the Sacramento Kings 131-116, while the Brooklyn Nets lost 105-95 to the Los Angeles Clippers.