CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) — LeBron James returned from a day off to record a triple-double as the Cavaliers tuned up for the playoffs with a 109-97 win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night.
James had 21 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds as the Cavs improved to 33-9 since Jan. 15.
J.R. Smith made eight 3-pointers and scored 28 and Timofey Mozgov had 13 rebounds for the Cavs, who sat James and three other starters in a 117-78 loss at Boston on Sunday.
Kyrie Irving scored 12 points in the first half, but Cleveland’s All-Star guard was kept out after halftime with tightness in his right hip. Irving has recently been bothered by an issue with his hip, and the Cavs said they were being cautious with him.
Andre Drummond scored 20 and Caron Butler 19 for the Pistons, who trailed by 26 in the first half.