Cavaliers fend off 76ers in LeBron James’ return

PHILADELPHIA — LeBron James had 23 points, 10 assists and six rebounds in his return from a two-game absence, and the Cleveland Cavaliers won for the 14th time in their last 19 road games with a 100-95 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.

James was in the starting lineup after missing the previous two games because of an injured right ankle, and the league’s leading scorer recorded his 26th double-double. He entered the game averaging 30 points, 8.5 assists and 7.2 rebounds.

Mo Williams scored 21 points, Delonte West contributed 17 and Anderson Varejao had 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavaliers (51-15), who own the league’s best record. Cleveland also won for the seventh straight time at the Wachovia Center.

Cleveland’s bench outscored the Sixers’ reserves, 44-20. Cleveland played without forward Antawn Jamison, who didn’t make the trip because of left knee stiffness.

Andre Iguodala led the Sixers (23-42) with 30 points.