NBA: Nets use James’ absence to win

Richard Jefferson scored a season-high 36 points, Vince Carter added 19 and the New Jersey Nets took advantage of LeBron James’ absence, beating the host Cleveland Cavaliers 100-79 Tuesday night.

Cleveland looked lost on both ends of the court without James, who missed his third straight game because of a sprained left index finger.

The Cavaliers are 0-3 without their superstar forward, falling to 9-10.

Pistons 106, Hawks 95: At Atlanta, Detroit scored 22 of the first 31 points in the third quarter to break open a close game, beating the Hawks for their fourth straight victory.

The Pistons used a balanced scoring attack, with seven players finishing in double figures.

Suns 121, Pacers 117: At Indianapolis, Amare Stoudemire scored 42 points to lead Phoenix past Indiana.

Stoudemire shot 15 of 24 from the field, 12 of 13 from the line and had 13 rebounds.

Steve Nash had 18 points and 17 assists, and Shawn Marion added 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Suns.

Lakers 116, Timberwolves 95: Even with a bout of the stomach flu, Kobe Bryant was too much for the NBA’s worst team.

Bryant scored 15 of his 20 points in the first half to help Los Angeles jump out to a big lead, and the Lakers cruised the rest of the way to a victory over Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Kings 117, Jazz 107: At Sacramento, Calif., John Salmons took over the scoring load after Sacramento leading scorer Kevin Martin went down with an injury, scoring 13 straight points for the Kings in one stretch of a victory over Utah.

Martin scored 25 points before leaving the game in the final minute of the third quarter with a pulled groin. Salmons finished with 21 points.

Bucks 87, Clippers 78: At Los Angeles, Michael Redd scored 10 of his 25 points in the final 3:36, Andrew Bogut had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Milwaukee rallied from a 15-point second-quarter deficit to beat the Clippers.

Notes

Ed Stefanski was chosen president and general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers hours after Billy King was fired after 10 seasons in Philadelphia. Stefanski left his job as GM of the New Jersey Nets. … Charlotte reached an agreement on a three-year offer sheet with Cleveland restricted free agent Anderson Varejao, giving the Cavaliers a week to match the deal or lose him.