Big
Three return but Cavaliers given fright by lowly Lakers
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[December 19, 2016]
(The Sports Xchange) - LeBron
James' rested legs were strong enough in the fourth quarter to carry
the Cleveland Cavaliers over the pesky Los Angeles Lakers on
Saturday.
In fact, all three of the Cavs' rested stars played a key role in
the victory.
James scored 26 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, and
Kyrie Irving had 21 points and matched his career high with 12
assists in Cleveland's 119-108 home victory over the Lakers.
Kevin Love had 27 points and a season-high 17 rebounds after coach
Tyronn Lue rested all three in Cleveland's previous game on
Wednesday. Irving took a week off because he complained to Lue he
had tired legs in last Saturday's win over Charlotte.
"It was warranted. How I felt, knowing the importance of what was
coming up in the season, I think it was a great group decision in
terms of the rest that was needed," Irving said. "I had no arguments
with that."
The Lakers snapped an eight-game losing skid Friday at Philadelphia,
but they've been known to give the league's elite teams fits. They
smashed the Golden State Warriors by 20 earlier this season, the
second straight season they've beaten their in-state rivals.
The Lakers led by as many as eight late in the first quarter and
maintained the lead into the second quarter until the Cavs started
to rally. They remained within 108-105 late in the fourth quarter
after two 3-pointers from Nick Young.
Young scored a season-high 32 points and Julius Randle had 16 points
and seven assists for the Lakers. Luol Deng scored 15 points.
"We are finding out how hard it is to win a single game in this
league," Lakers coach Luke Walton said.
The Lakers were without starting point guard D'Angelo Russell, who
sat out after appearing tired in the second half on Friday at
Philadelphia. Russell recently returned from platelet-rich plasma
therapy on his right knee and the Lakers are being cautious with
him.
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Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) drives to the basket against
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) during the first half at
Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Ken
Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Even without their star, the Lakers made 16 3-pointers and nearly
pulled off the stunning upset on the road.
James' 3-pointer with 2:32 left extended the Cavs' lead to 113-105
and finally seemed to put away the Lakers.
Lue warned Saturday that this might not be the last time Irving sits
for an extended period this season. It certainly seemed to help him
Saturday. Irving played 38 minutes and registered 12 assists for the
second time this season.
"In practice (Friday), he looked really good, had a lot of pop, was
moving around well," Lue said.
"There will probably come another time where he's going to need a
little rest also. Right now, he's feeling good and that's the
biggest thing for me."
(Editing by Andrew Both)
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