James scores 26 in return as Cavs beat Pacers

LeBron James returned to Cleveland's lineup and scored 10 of his 26 points in the third quarter to help the Cavaliers beat the Indiana Pacers 98-93 Wednesday night, spoiling David West's return to Xavier.

CINCINNATI – LeBron James returned to Cleveland’s lineup and scored 10 of his 26 points in the third quarter to help the Cavaliers beat the Indiana Pacers 98-93 Wednesday night, spoiling David West’s return to Xavier.

West scored 15 points in his first game at the Cintas Center since leaving Xavier, with “Welcome home David” signs surrounding the court. Chris Copeland scored 16 points to lead Indiana (1-3), and George Hill had 11.

A.J. Price added 14 points for the Cavaliers (3-0), who led 76-63 after three quarters when both teams emptied their bench.

James was back after sitting out the Cavs’ win over Milwaukee on Tuesday night. Cleveland centre Tristen Thompson returned from a shoulder injury to score six points. Kyrie Irving, recovering from an injured right ankle, participated in pregame drills but was held out the game.

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