CLEVELAND, April 1 – LeBron James had 25 points and 12 rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Detroit Pistons 79-73 on Tuesday, extending their win streak to 13 games.
Delonte West added 12 points for Cleveland who improved to 36-1 at home and became just the sixth team in National Basketball Association history to win 16 games in one month.
"That is amazing," said James, who was reminded the Cavs won just 17 in the season before his arrival. "Ever since the All-Star game we’ve been really, really focused. That’s an unbelievable month for any team."
Cleveland trailed 69-67 midway through the fourth when James took over, scoring eight points and handing out an assist in a 10-0 run.
Richard Hamilton scored 13 points and Allen Iverson 11 for Detroit, who were held to 35 percent shooting.
Iverson’s layup put Detroit up 69-67 with 5:24 left when James made another superb play that gave the Cavaliers the lead for good.
"That’s the sign of a good team," James said. "No matter the circumstances, we continue to win. Whatever the game is, tight or a shootout or an offensive struggle or a defensive game, we find a way to win."
With forward Rasheed Wallace back after missing 11 games with an injured left calf, Detroit had its first full roster since February 25. Wallace had nine points and nine rebounds.
On their previous visit to Cleveland, the Pistons were rocked 99-78 but they started well in this one.
Detroit held the Cavaliers to just 12 points in the first quarter and opening a 39-30 lead midway through the second quarter.
Iverson, who has come off the bench in two games since returning from injury, complained about his playing time.
"I can play 18 minutes with my eyes closed and a 100-pound truck on my back," he said. "I’m wondering what the rush was to get me back. It’s a bad time for me mentally. I’m just trying to get through it without starting a whole bunch of nonsense. I’m looking at the big picture, if I vent my frustrations, then it’s on.
"Being who I am, fingers are going to be pointed at me. People are going to make a big deal out of it. I’m just trying to laugh as much as I can and stop from crying."