Irving-less Cavs declaw Grizzlies
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Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James drives past Memphis Grizzlies' Toney Douglas in the first half of Tuesday's NBA clash in Cleveland. James had 23 points and Kevin Love added 29 as the Cavaliers won their fifth straight game, 103-86. Tony Dejak / AP |
Love, James pick up slack as Cleveland extends win streak
The Cavaliers showed they can beat the Grizzlies with only two of their three stars.
Now they'll try to do it with none.
Kevin Love scored 29 points, J.R. Smith found his aim - for one half - and LeBron James added 23 points as the Cavs won their fifth straight, 103-86 on Tuesday night over Memphis.
With Kyrie Irving sitting out to get some rest, the Cavs built a 22-point lead in the first half and ended the Grizzlies' six-game winning streak.
Following the game, Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue opened his media conference by announcing James, Love and Irving will stay home when the Cavs travel to Memphis on Wednesday.
"They're not going," Lue said before telling one surprised reporter to close his mouth.
Lue didn't want James, who traveled to New York on Monday night to accept the Sports Illustrated Sports-person of the Year Award, playing in the quirky back-to-back, and Love could use a break because of tightness in his back.
Irving complained of "heavy legs" in Saturday's win over Charlotte and will have a full week off before the Cavs host the Lakers on Saturday.
"It's a long season and we have opportunities," James said of Lue's decision to leave Cleveland's "Big 3" behind.
"Coach has looked at it and he's going to do what's in his best judgment for our team. It's his call."
Smith said it will be a challenge to take on the Grizzlies shorthanded.
