James hurt in loss to Pistons
AUBURN HILLS, Mich.-- LeBron James sprained his left index finger in the second quarter Wednesday night and did not return, as the Detroit Pistons went on to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-74.
The Cavs said X-rays were negative, adding he would be evaluated again today.
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.
He appeared to be injured with 4:41 left in the first half, when Detroit center Nazr Mohammed fouled him. James made both free throws and stayed in the game.
James had 15 points and 3 assists in the first half, accounting for more than one-third of the Cavs' points, in a rematch of the Eastern Conference finals.
He had been sensational recently, including Tuesday night in an overtime win over Boston, and entered the game averaging 31.7 points, 8.5 assists and eight rebounds a game this season.
Detroit's Richard Hamilton scored 18 points, Tayshaun Prince had 14 and Antonio McDyess added 14 in a game the Pistons led 48-43 at halftime against James.
When the star was stuck on sidelines for the second half, the Cavs had no shot to come back.