RESULTS, SCHEDULE

* Cleveland 88, at Dallas 81: LeBron James had 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and, despite some spotty offense, the Cavaliers avenged a lopsided loss to Dallas in the season opener. Through three quarters, Cleveland shot only 36%, was 0 for 10 from three-point range and had missed 10 free throws -- yet led by six points.

* Boston 104, at Seattle 96: Although most of the attention focused on Ray Allen’s return to Seattle, Paul Pierce took over for Boston. He scored 26 of his season-high 37 points in the second half to help the league’s best team avoid an embarrassing loss. Pierce made 11 of 27 shots and 10 of 11 free throws.

* Phoenix 108, at Clippers 88: Amare Stoudemire had 30 points and 15 rebounds and played stifling defense for the Suns against Chris Kaman.