LeBron James sprained his left index finger in the second quarter and did not return, and the Detroit Pistons went on to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-74 on Wednesday.
The Cavs said X-rays were negative, but James was to be evaluated again.
James returned to Cleveland's bench late in the third quarter, sporting a suit and turtleneck, with tape wrapped around his index and middle fingers on his non-shooting hand. Late in the half, ice was packed and wrapped briefly over his left hand.
PHOTO: AP
James had 15 points and three assists in the first half, accounting for more than one-third of the Cavs' points, in a rematch of the Eastern Conference finals.
Detroit's Richard Hamilton scored 18 points, Tayshaun Prince had 14 and Antonio McDyess added 14 in a game the home team led 48-43 at halftime against James.
Jazz 106, 76ers 95
At Philadelphia, Carlos Boozer scored 12 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter to lead Utah to a victory over Philadelphia.
Ronnie Brewer added 19 points and Mehmet Okur had 16. Deron Williams had 15 points and 15 assists for the Jazz (11-5), who rebounded after a 113-109 loss at New York two nights earlier.
Andre Iguodala led the Sixers with 20 points while Andre Miller added 16. Lou Williams chipped in with 13 while Willie Green and Samuel Dalembert had 11 each.
Hawks 96, Bucks 80
At Atlanta, Josh Childress scored six points in a 13-2 run midway through the final quarter and Atlanta broke open a close game to get a rare win over Milwaukee.
In other games, it was: Raptors 103, Grizzlies 91; Mavericks 109, Timberwolves 103; Spurs 109, Wizards 94; Warriors 103, Kings 96; Magic 110, SuperSonics 94; Pacers 95, Trail Blazers 89.
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