YAO MING returned to the lineup for the first time in 32 games, but it was not enough as the Houston Rockets lost 91-85 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their NBA play Monday in Cleveland.

LeBron James scored a game-high 32 points, his fourth 30-plus game in a row, to lead the Cavaliers, and he also picked up 12 rebounds and eight assists.

Yao played 27 minutes in his first game since breaking his right leg in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 23.

The center appeared rusty at times, especially in the early stages, but he wound up with 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.

“Uneven, which is to be expected,” Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. “But he’s got to cut down on his turnovers. We can’t play well if he goes right back to what he was doing before he got hurt, which is being a high turnover guy. It’s impossible to have offensive rhythm.”

James got help from Larry Hughes, who had been struggling until recently and is finally starting to complement the superstar as the Cavaliers envisioned.

Hughes had 22 points, seven assists and six rebounds and said this is the most comfortable he’s felt since joining the Cavaliers as a free agent last season.

Yao helped spark the Rockets in the fourth quarter after they trailed by 14. He scored seven straight points and provided a presence inside that forced Cleveland to take outside shots.

The Rockets, who have lost four of five, pulled to within 84-82 on Tracy McGrady’s jumper with 1:34 left. But Zydrunas Ilgauskas put back James’ missed jumper on the next possession to protect the lead.

Ilgauskas then stole the ball from Yao, who fell to the floor in a heap. Hughes tossed an alley-oop to James on the other end and he slammed in it for a 88-82 lead.

Yao, who said he fell on his elbow to avoid landing on his right knee, got up with help from a trainer, hobbled off, but returned to the game.

McGrady responded with a 3-pointer to pull within 88-85 after the Cavaliers twice couldn’t grab a rebound.

Hughes hit 3-of-4 free throws in the final 10 seconds, the last two after McGrady missed a tough 3-pointer.

McGrady led Houston with 25 points but struggled, going 10-for-32 and setting a season-high for attempts. He often took a shot as soon as the ball touched his hands.

(SD-Agencies)