CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James scored 33 points after sitting out a game and Tristan Thompson made two huge plays in the final minute, leading the Cavaliers to a 100-96 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.
James was rested on Sunday by coach Tyronn Lue and the Cavs were lethargic in a 113-99 loss at Washington. But with James back on the floor, Cleveland played with much more energy and again looked like a team with NBA championship aspirations.
Matthew Dellavedova hit a tying 3-pointer for the Cavs with 1:13 left before Thompson made it 96-94 with a layup. Thompson then blocked a shot by Indiana’s George Hill with 18 seconds left.
Cavaliers point guard Mo Williams will be sidelined for at least the next two weeks with an injured left knee.
Williams has been bothered by soreness in his knee for much of the season. He did not travel with the team for weekend losses at Toronto and Washington.