The Cleveland Cavaliers returned to winning ways after a rare three-game losing skid, beating the New Orleans Hornets 105-95 in the NBA Tuesday. LeBron James had 20 points and 12 assists, and Antawn Jamison scored 18 points in his first start for Cleveland, which stayed half a game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers in the fight over the NBA's best record. James closed out the win in the final two minutes, hitting a 3-pointer and finishing a three-point play to allow the Cavaliers to escape a huge night from New Orleans' rookies: Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison combined for 59 points, including a franchise-record 23 from Thornton in the second quarter. Thornton scored a career-high 37 off the bench, igniting a 40-point second quarter for the Hornets by making his first five shots and 10 of 13 in the quarter. Lakers 99, Grizzlies 98: In Memphis, Tennessee, Kobe Bryant returned from five games out with an ankle injury and hit a 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left to lift Los Angeles over Memphis. Bryant led the Lakers with 32 points, including his team's final nine points. His 3-pointer with 54 seconds left tied the game. Pau Gasol added 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers, who won for the seventh time in their past eight road games. The Grizzlies, who lost their fifth straight home game, were led by O.J. Mayo's 25 points. Suns 104, Thunder 102: In Oklahoma City, Jason Richardson connected on a floater from the foul line with 0.7 seconds left to complete Phoenix's rally from a 10-point deficit to edge Oklahoma City. Phoenix moved past the Thunder into fifth place in the Western Conference. Celtics 110, Knicks 106: In Boston, Rajon Rondo scored 15 points and had 16 assists to lead Boston over New York. Ray Allen added 24 points as the Celtics sent the Knicks to their eighth straight loss. David Lee had 28 points and 15 rebounds for New York. Timberwolves 91, Heat 88: In Miami, Minnesota took advantage of Dwyane Wade's absence for a rare road victory over Miami. Dorell Wright had a career-high 26 points off the bench to lead the Heat, who played their third straight game without Wade, the All-Star MVP who is nursing a calf strain. Pistons 101, Kings 89: In Sacramento, California, Detroit pulled away in the third quarter to defeat struggling Sacramento. Trail Blazers 102, Nets 93: In East Rutherford, New Jersey, Portland avoided blowing a big lead for a second straight game by holding off New Jersey. 76ers 110, Warriors 102: In Oakland, California, Lou Williams scored 26 points, including a clinching 3-pointer with 14.5 seconds left, as Philadelphia downed Golden State.
