Davis leads Cavs past the Pistons

Photo by: Tony Dejak

AP

Photo

Cleveland Cavaliers' Samardo Samuels (24) shoots over Detroit Pistons' Austin Daye (5) in the first quarter in an NBA basketball game on Friday, March 25, 2011, in Cleveland.

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Baron Davis returned at the perfect time for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Playing for only the fifth time since being acquired last month, Davis scored 16 points and hit a clinching 3-pointer with 9.9 seconds remaining, leading the Cavaliers to a 97-91 win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.

Davis’ shot came with Cleveland clinging to a 94-91 lead. With the shot clock winding down, he buried the 25-footer from the right wing that put the game away, giving Cleveland only its second win in 10 games.

Davis, who had missed the last three games because of back spasms, wanted the ball in his hands.

“That’s the beauty of the game, the opportunity to take the pressure shot,” he said. “I love those moments.”

Cleveland coach Byron Scott has been looking for someone to take on that role all season.

“Some guys have the guts to take those shots,” Scott said. “He definitely has them. Those are the guys willing to be the hero, but they’re also willing to be the goat. That’s what you have to be when you’re out there.”

Scott wants to work Davis into the starting lineup at some point, which could happen Sunday against Atlanta.

“It’s always nice when you have a guy that is a closer,” Scott said. “As soon as he took the ball over to the right side, I knew he was going to shoot. It’s great when you have a guy with that type of ability and confidence.”

Davis also had five assists in 24 minutes. He was acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in a Feb. 24 trade. Prior to his back injury, Davis missed time with a sore left knee and following the death of his grandmother.

J.J. Hickson scored 24 points and had 15 rebounds.