Gibson returns for Cavs

Mar 30, 2008 - 5:56 AM AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) -- Cleveland Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson returned to the lineup for Saturday's 85-71 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

He had missed the last 19 games with a left high-ankle sprain. In his return, Gibson scored just one point and missed both of his shots from the field, including his lone 3-pointer, in 18 minutes.

Gibson foreshadowed his performance to the Akron Beacon Journal prior to the game.

"I'm not 100 percent, not yet," Gibson told the newspaper. "There are things I am limited from doing, but I am capable of being productive."

The 21-year-old Gibson, who captured MVP honors in the Rookie-Sophomore game during All-Star Weekend, suffered the injury last month when Indiana's Travis Diener rolled into his leg while diving for a loose ball.

Gibson is averaging 11.5 points and 2.5 assists in 48 games this season with the Cavaliers, who clinched a playoff berth when the New Jersey Nets lost to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.

A 6-2 sharpshooter, Gibson figures to be a big factor in Cleveland's attempt at back-to-back trips to the NBA Finals.

Cavaliers center Ben Wallace, who had suffered through back spasms in recent days, left the game with the injury and is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia 76ers.