T.J. Ford scored 17 points in his first game in over 1? years to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 91-89 exhibition win Saturday night over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who played without All-Star forward LeBron James.

Ford had been sidelined since suffering a spinal cord injury during a game against Minnesota on Feb. 24, 2004. He missed the first two preseason games with a sprained left index finger.

Ford started and had 12 points, two assists, three steals and four turnovers before heading to the bench with 9:27 left in the second quarter.