Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton drives past Cleveland defender Jawad Williams in the second half of in Auburn Hills Tuesday. Cleveland won 113-101. (AP photo)

By LARRY LAGE

AP Sports Writer

AUBURN HILLS— LeBron James was shaky early and spectacular late.

James had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists for his fourth triple-double of the season, lifting the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 113-101 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.

‘‘Every point, rebound and assist was needed,’’ Cavs coach Mike Brown said.

The final score was relatively lopsided, but the game wasn’t. There were 10 lead changes and 21 ties, the last one with 4:44 left.

The Cavs closed the game by outscoring Detroit 19-7, thanks in large part to James.

He set up Mo Williams for a tiebreaking 3-pointer with a sharp pass from the top of the key to the right corner, then grabbed a rebound, charged up the court and made a drop pass to Anderson Varejao for a five-point cushion.