LeBron James played with his aching back and the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied for a much-needed win. James, who didn't practice Monday and Tuesday because of back spasms, scored 33 points as the Cavaliers overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat the New Jersey Nets, 104-83. James was 11-of-21 from the field with seven rebounds and eight assists.
The Nets led 67-53 midway through the third period before the Cavaliers rallied to take a 76-74 lead going into the fourth quarter. Bostjan Nachbar's 3-pointer to begin the fourth gave New Jersey a 77-76 lead, but Cleveland scored the next nine points. Sasha Pavlovic had a jumper, Joe Smith scored two baskets, and Wally Sczerbiak added a 3-pointer to go ahead, 85-77. (More basketball stories.)