Wallace outduels LeBron, Bobcats beat Cavs 94-87

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gerald Wallace had 31 points and 14 rebounds while outplaying LeBron James, and the Cleveland Cavaliers looked disjointed in Shaquille O’Neal’s return from injury in a 94-87 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night.

The surprising Bobcats won their third straight game following a seven-game losing streak behind Wallace, who beat James in numerous 1-on-1 matchups in the post. Wallace topped 30 points for the second straight game, while James scored 25 points.

O’Neal recovered after missing five of his first seven shots to finish with 11 points and eight rebounds. He had missed the past six games with a strained left shoulder, and Cleveland fell to 6-4 when he plays and 5-1 when he’s out.