LeBron has 29 in Cavs’ win

Associated Press

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.

LeBron James had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in his fourth triple-double of the season, lifting the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 113-101 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.

He blocked a shot and made a jumper on consecutive possessions to give the Cavs a five-point cushion with a minute left, then sealed the victory on a 3-pointer with 29.5 seconds remaining.

Cleveland has won four in a row and lost only one of its last 11 games, improving to an NBA-best 53-15.

Richard Hamilton had 24 points and was one of six Pistons who scored in double figures.

Detroit has dropped three straight and eight of 10.

The Pistons, unlike recent games, were very competitive until James took over in the fourth quarter.

He did have help.

Mo Williams scored 20 points, Antawn Jamison had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and reserve Jawad Williams added 10 points.

Pistons reserve Charlie Villanueva scored 16 points. Detroit’s Tayshaun Prince had 15 points and matched a career high with eight assists. Will Bynum had 12 points and his team thought he should’ve had at least two more points, wanting a goaltending call on James’ latest come-from-behind block. Rookie Jonas Jerebko scored 10 points and Jason Maxiell had 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Detroit had been getting blown out early in games, but was determined to put up a fight against the Cavs.

The score was tied after the first quarter, the Pistons led by two at halftime and by one entering the final period.

James missed 10-of-15 shots over the first three quarters and was 5 for 7 in the final one as he added four assists and three rebounds to his total for his 28th career triple-double.

The Pistons hope Rodney Stuckey can practice Thursday and play the next day, two weeks after he collapsed on the bench at Cleveland. Doctors cleared Stuckey for exercise last week after extensive cardiac tests.