CAVS (53-15) 113, DETROIT PISTONS (23-45) 101
at The Palace of Auburn Hills
Tuesday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: LeBron James was his typical self in the second half with 24 points, including 15 in the pivotal fourth quarter.

The game was a lot closer than anyone expected, especially after the Pistons were blown out at Boston on Monday.

"We knew they would play a lot better than they did last night in Boston," James said. "There was no way they could have repeated that performance."

Cavs coach Mike Brown was quite animated during a third-quarter time out.

"Mike said it was there for us to take if we wanted it," James said. "We just had to let things go and go play."

The two coaches are great friends. They also don't like losing to each other. Of course, Brown is 3-0 against Pistons coach John Kuester in his lifetime.

"This is John Kuester we’re going against," James said. "These guys don’t want to lose going against each other. That’s how it is when you go against a former teammate."

James was amazed how bench players have responded when other players are injured.

"Guys are stepping up," he said. "It’s amazing how many guys are taking the challenge. Guys are ready to play."

NOTES: Pacers forward Danny Granger broke an orbital bone and won't play against the Cavs tonight at The Q.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Tayshaun Prince (6-9, 215)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Jonas Jerebko (6-10, 231)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Jason Maxiell (6-7, 260)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Rip Hamilton (6-7, 193)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Will Bynum (6-0, 185)
INJURY REPORT
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal (right thumb surgery), G Sebastian Telfair (ruptured groin) are out.
Pistons - F/C Ben Wallace (right patella tendon strain), G Rodney Stuckey (dizziness) are out.
OFFICIALS
Bennett Salvatore, Matt Boland, Kane Fitzgerald