LeBron scores 34 in Cavs’ 98-88 win vs. Pistons

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — LeBron James scored 12 of his 34 points in the first quarter, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers build a cushion it used to cruise to a 98-88 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

James’ strong start gave the Cavs a nine-point lead to start the second quarter. Reserve Daniel Gibson and Mo Williams combined to score 18 points in the second quarter to put them ahead by 18 at halftime.

When the Pistons pulled within 10 midway through the fourth quarter, James responded with a 3-pointer and a double-pump dunk. Detroit cut its deficit to eight points with 4:15 left and James made plays at both ends of the court to give the Cavs another double-digit lead.

The Pistons, though, would not go away easily.

Ben Wallace made a free throw with 1:13 to go to make it 93-88.

James made two free throws and Detroit’s Charlie Villanueva stepped out of bounds on the ensuing possessions, sealing the win.

Rodney Stuckey scored 25 and Villanueva had 19 points for the banged-up Pistons. Ben Gordon sprained his left ankle in the first half and did not play the rest of the game.

Detroit has had Richard Hamilton (right ankle) and Tayshaun Prince (back) on the court for a combined four games this season and neither seems close to being healthy enough to play.

Cleveland center Shaquille O’Neal missed his sixth straight game with a shoulder injury and coach Mike Brown said he would decide Friday, when the Cavs are at Charlotte, if he will return in the next game.

Williams finished with 14 points, Gibson and Anthony Parker each scored 13 and reserve Jamario Moon added 11.

James had eight rebounds and seven assists for the Central Division-leading Cavs, who have won eight of their last nine games after a .500 start.

Reserve Jason Maxiell had 10 points for the Pistons, who have lost six straight, and rookie Austin Daye scored nine. Wallace, who played for the Cavs last season, had eight points and nine rebounds.

NOTES: The Cavaliers will spend Thanksgiving in the Detroit area and have a team dinner at owner Dan Gilbert’s house before traveling to Charlotte. “I don’t know who’s cooking,” James said. “But I know Dan’s buying.” … Ohio-based teams won two of three meetings against Michigan-based squads in a five-day span. Ohio State won at Michigan on Saturday and the Lions beat the Browns at home the next day. … There was a moment of silence before the game for Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin, who died Tuesday.