LeBron James wore a plastic mask to protect his face but it did not prevent him playing a lead role as Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Charlotte Bobcats 92-83.
James suffered a facial fracture last week after being elbowed in the face last week by Houston centre Dikembe Mutombo.
But it did not hinder his form as he scored a game-high 26 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out six assists.
Drew Gooden added 19 points and 14 rebounds for the Cavs, who found out earlier in the day that long-time owner Gordon Gund has agreed to sell the franchise.
Gund agreed to sell the team for a reported US$375m to a group of investors headed by Daniel Gilbert, who is the chairman and founder of Quicken Loans and Michigan-based home lender Rock Financial.
Chris Bosh tied his career-high with 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, as the Toronto Raptors started a five straight home-game stint with a 105-94 victory over Orlando.
Morris Peterson added a season-high 21 points and Rafer Alston went 4-of-7 from three-point range for 12 points. Paul Pierce recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, as the Boston Celtics defeated the New Orleans Hornets, 108-90, at FleetCenter.
Ricky Davis had 23 points and Raef LaFrentz contributed 14 points and 12 boards for the Celtics, who outscored New Orleans 62-44 in the second half en route to their fourth straight home win.
Boston's Gary Payton missed the game with a strained left hamstring, suffered during Sunday's loss at Detroit. He had played in 305 consecutive contests.
MMIX
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