Wizards beat LeBron-less Cavs, Lillard leads in-form Trail Blazers

LeBron James sat out on Sunday and the Washington Wizards took full advantage as they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-99.

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue opted not to play James for the second time this season, with the four-time NBA MVP watching from the bench in Washington.

And the Wizards pounced on the Cavs’ decision to rest James, who is averaging 24.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.6 assists in a team-high 35.9 minutes per game this season.

“Any time you [make] that kind of move, it kind of lets the guys down a little bit,” said Lue, whose Cavs were led by Kyrie Irving’s 28 points. “But that’s a decision that we made.”

John Wall (13 assists) and Otto Porter Jr had 21 points apiece to inspire the Wizards, who led by as many as 30 points.

Damian Lillard was the star of the show in the Portland Trail Blazers’ 111-102 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Lillard posted 33 points and five rebounds as the in-form Trail Blazers won for the eighth time in nine games.

Monta Ellis scored 18 points for the Pacers, who slumped to a third defeat in four outings.

The Detroit Pistons downed the Toronto Raptors 114-101 thanks to another double-double from Andre Drummond.

Drummond registered his 51st double-double of the season by scoring 15 points and collecting 18 rebounds to help the Pistons to a fourth consecutive win.

The Raptors, who had their four-game winning streak ended in the absence of Kyle Lowry, were led by Terrence Ross’ 27 points.

Also on Sunday, the Atlanta Hawks soared to an 87-76 victory at home to the Charlotte Hornets.

The Philadelphia 76ers fell to a 130-116 defeat to the Orlando Magic and an eighth consecutive loss and the Dallas Mavericks trumped the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-101.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat accounted for the New York Knicks 98-81.