Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh keeps the ball away from Memphis Grizzlies guard Damon Stoudamire during the first half of their game on Wednesday night. Bosh left in the second quarter with a strained right groin and did not return. The Raptors won 103-91.- AP

DETROIT (Reuters):

THE DETROIT Pistons raced to a 109-74 victory over Cleveland after the Cavaliers stand-out player LeBron James was injured on Wednesday night. James sprained his left index finger in the second quarter and the Pistons outscored the Cavaliers by 30 points in the second half.

"A win never loses its lustre," Detroit's Chauncey Billups told reporters. "Was it less exciting to watch with LeBron not in there, yes."

James was injured when he drove to the basket with 4:41 left in the second quarter and was fouled by Detroit's Nazr Mohammed.

Mohammed reached for the ball, but instead slammed James' left hand. James appeared to be in pain and but made two free throws and he remained in the game until the half. X-rays were negative. The defeat ended a four-game winning streak for the Cavaliers.

Richard Hamilton led Detroit with 18 points. Tayshaun Prince added 16 and Antonio McDyess 14. James topped Cleveland with 15 points despite not playing in the second half.

Without James, the Pistons, who trailed 48-43 at halftime, scored 29 points to the Cavaliers' 16 in the third quarter, shooting 57.9 per cent.

The fourth quarter was a repeat of the third with Detroit scoring 32 points to Cleveland's 15.

"It's tough being down already trying to fight back without the guy that leads you," Cleveland's Drew Gooden told reporters.