Cavs’ James back in action vs. Suns

PHOENIX — Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James returned to action Tuesday to face the Phoenix Suns.

James missed the previous eight games due to a left knee injury and a lower back strain, and the Cavaliers went 1-7 in that span, losing the past five.

“Obviously, we’re happy to have him back,” Cleveland coach David Blatt said. “He’s a very big part of our team. He’s a dominant player in the NBA. I would just caution, to be fair with him, he hasn’t played competitive basketball here for eight games, and that’s not a normal thing for LeBron. He’s a guy that doesn’t miss many games. …

“I’m sure like any other human being, it will take him a little bit of time to find his normal rhythm, but I know he’ll go out there and give it everything he’s got.”

James, who last played Dec. 28 against the Detroit Pistons, ranks second in the NBA with an average of 25.2 points per game.