Carter scored a season-high 24 points, and the Kings handed the Cavaliers their second straight loss with a 109-95 victory on Wednesday night.
“He’s always been a guy, big stage, big moment, that’s been his time to shine,” said Lue, who faced Carter during his playing days. “Couldn’t stop him tonight. He had it going.”
The 40-year-old Carter had missed the previous three games due to a rib injury and coach’s decision. The former dunk king gave Cleveland all kinds of problems in his return, shooting 10 of 12 in 30 minutes.
Carter made a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give Sacramento an 85-80 lead heading into the fourth quarter.