James, who added 12 rebounds and eight assists, scored more than 30 points for the fourth straight game. The Cavaliers have won three of those four.

Yao returned to action after missing 32 games while recovering from a broken bone under his right knee. He finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and five turnovers.

The 7-foot-6 center airballed a left hook on the Rockets' first possession, but immediately got in the Cavaliers' way on the other end by blocking a shot.

Wearing a black brace on his right knee, Yao looked slow and out of synch on offense, letting a crisp pass tip off his hands and missing open shots.

But Yao, who played 27 minutes, 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 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 got up with help from a trainer, limped 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. Shane Battier scored 15.

Hughes scored 22 points with seven assists and six rebounds. Ilgauskas had just eight points but added three blocks, two steals and made things difficult for Yao.