NBA roundup: Shaq returns, Cavs lose to Bobcats

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.

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.

WIZARDS 94, HEAT 84: At Miami, Antawn Jamison scored 24 points, Nick Young added 22 and Washington beat Miami for the first time in seven tries, 94-84. Jamison, playing for the first time this season against the Heat after missing the first two meetings because of a shoulder injury, scored his 16,000th career point. Dwyane Wade had 18 points while struggling for Miami.

HAWKS 100, 76ERS 86: At Philadelphia, Jamal Crawford scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, Mike Bibby added 21 and Atlanta snapped a two-game losing streak with a 100-86 victory over Philadelphia. Josh Smith scored 20 and Al Horford had 15 for the Hawks, who responded with a road win one night after falling 93-76 to the Orlando Magic. Thaddeus Young scored 22 points, Andre Iguodala added 16.

CELTICS 116, RAPTORS 103: At Boston, Ray Allen scored 20 points, Paul Pierce and Kendrick Perkins had 18 apiece, and the Boston beat Toronto 116-103. Rajon Rondo had 12 points and 11 assists as the Celtics won three in a row for the first time since opening the season with six straight victories. Rasheed Wallace scored 15 points as a reserve, hitting three of his first four 3-point attempts. Chris Bosh had 20 points and 13 rebounds, Hedo Turkoglu also scored 20 points.

CLIPPERS 104, PISTONS 96: At Auburn Hills, Mich., Chris Kaman scored 26 points and Baron Davis added 25 to help Los Angeles Clippers top Detroit. Al Thornton scored 12 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, including consecutive baskets midway through the period to give the Clippers the lead for good. The victory ended a 13-game losing streak against the Pistons.