From the Cleveland Plain-Dealer’s excellent beat writer Brian Windhorst comes the story of how, exactly, Delonte West finally made it onto the court for the Cavaliers. Apparently, his biggest advocates—literally and figuratively—were Shaq and Lebron James.

Delonte West can get support from the fans, which he did in his first game back. He can get help from the Cavs’ medical staff, which he has diligently over the last two years and especially over the last month. But ultimately his greatest support system is his teammates and they are a major reason why he was back on the floor against the Bobcats.

After the game, Shaquille O’Neal said that he and LeBron James went to coach Mike Brown and Danny Ferry and ask that West be cleared to play as soon as possible. It would not have happened without the doctors’ approval, but Shaq left the impression that he and LeBron’s request was taken into account. Apparently, West has been petitioning for their help to get cleared to play and they showed faith in him in sticking their neck out and asking for him back.

After the final horn, Mo Williams wrapped his arms around West on the floor and spoke into his ear. Mo wouldn’t reveal what he told him, but said his message was the team was glad to have him back and then he stressed that he wanted him to stay and do the things that will enable him to stay. It is one thing for a team to say they have a family atmosphere and it is another to prove it and with this, the Cavs did. The hope now is that it works, because over the last two years we have seen that nothing is easy with West.

And once he got there, the Cavaliers were a different basketball team, as SBN’s Cavs blog, Fear The Sword, points out:

Delonte West returned to the Cavaliers tonight and the results were immediate and ultra-effective. Delonte plays with an edge and attitude that the Cavs were missing the first 3 games of the season. It was back tonight and the Cavs looked much more comfortable – especially in the 2nd half.

West played 22 minutes in his return to the floor – scoring 13 points on 5-7 shooting. So much of what West does, however, isn’t found on a stat sheet. His tenacious defense, constantly getting a hand on the ball, deflecting passes – all of it is what West brings to the floor. He did so tonight – and the Cavs followed his lead.

West came off the bench tonight, but to be honest it seemed the team looked at its best when West was on the floor with the other starters – Shaq, LeBron, Mo and Andy – in the 4th quarter. It’s a role that fits West better and I’d imagine he will get back his starting spot soon.

And it’s true: West’s presence makes a world of difference for Cleveland. Just last week, we wrote that “Delonte West’s absence means the other guards on Cleveland’s roster are forced into roles that don’t exactly suit them. … Losing a key rotation guy like West ends up watering down the rest of your roster.” But with West in tow, Cleveland ran roughshod over the Wizards, locking them down defensively and clicking on offense better than they had in any of their games this year. Suddenly, they looked like the elite team they’ve been billed as. And it all happened with troubled guard Delonte West front and center. Coincidence? I think not.

For more on the Cavs and Wizards, visit SB Nation's Fear The Sword and Bullets Forever.

(Sports Network) - LeBron James put up 27 points, eight rebounds and six assists and got plenty of help from Cleveland's supporting cast, as the Cavaliers used a big second half en route to a 102-90 win over Washington.

Shaquille O'Neal ended with 21 points and eight boards, and Daniel Gibson hit four three-pointers off the bench during a 14-point effort for the Cavs, who have won three straight after dropping the first two games of the season.

Mo Williams chipped in 15 points and doled out six helpers, while Anderson Varejao recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Delonte West, on a day he was indicted on multiple weapon charges by a grand jury stemming from his arrest in September, notched four points and four assists in a reserve role.

Gilbert Arenas ended with 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists for the Wizards, who have alternated wins and losses through their first four games. Caron Butler, playing with a bruised knee, also tallied 22 points in defeat.

The Cavs woke up in the second quarter and a Gibson three-ball capped an 8-0 spurt near the five-minute mark.

The Wizards still led, 54-50, at the break, but Cleveland rode the momentum of the second frame into the third. Williams drained a three near the midway point to put the finishing touches on 10 straight points for a 62-58 lead.

The 78-73 margin after three quarters was stretched even further with James on the bench in the early stages of the fourth. Jamario Moon hit a three-pointer, Williams went up-and-under in the lane, and he and Gibson hit back-to-back treys for a commanding 91-77 edge with 7 1/2 minutes to play.

It was a double-digit affair the rest of the way.

Washington outhustled the hosts in the opening quarter -- highlighted by Andray Blatche's putback dunk -- for a 31-17 lead after 12 minutes.

West was indicted Tuesday on two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon, two counts of carrying a handgun, two counts of transporting a handgun, one count each of reckless driving and negligent driving, after a traffic stop while he was driving his motorcycle...Washington and Cleveland split a four-game season series a year ago, with each team winning on its home floor. The Wizards have lost six in a row as the visitor in this series...Mike Miller ended with 12 points for Washington, which lost despite making 32-of-41 free throws.