CLEVELAND, Ohio (AFP) -- LeBron James returned from injury Tuesday, coming off the bench for the first time in his career to help Cleveland snap a six-game National Basketball Association losing streak.

Anderson Varejao also returned to action for the Cavaliers, who beat the Indiana Pacers 118-105.
James had sprained his left index finger on November 28 at Detroit.
After sitting out five games, he played 23 minutes and scored 17 points.
Varejao, who played a key role in the Cavs' 2007 playoff run, was in uniform for the first time this season and grabbed nine rebounds in 24 minutes.
The 25-year-old center played for the first time this season after the Cavaliers matched Charlotte's offer sheet on December 5 for the Brazilian's services.
James and Varejao went into the game at the same time, along with Larry Hughes, at 5:59 of the first quarter.
Cleveland led 15-11 at the time, and finished out the first period with a 22-5 scoring run.
They led by 16 at halftime, and although the Pacers pulled within 70-61 in the third quarter, they couldn't challenge further.
Leading 74-64, the Cavaliers scored 14 unanswered points to seal the victory.