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19 days ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers were routed by the Sacramento Kings, losing 103-84 without LeBron James in the midst of a long West Coast road trip. In that, game the Cavs offense looked stalled and struggled to score any points consistently. Defensively, Kings center DeMarcus Cousins dominated the Cavs inside and scored 26 points in the Kings' win.
How things can change in 19 days.
With LeBron playing through a wrist injury after being listed as doubtful, Cleveland extend its win streak to nine games with a win over the Kings. James scored 19 points, while Kyrie Irving added 21 on the heels of his 55-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, while Kevin Love added a game-high 23 points on 9-17 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds in one of the best games of Love's season.
Cousins, who was named an All-Star for the first time earlier today, scored 21 points on 5-17 shooting. Kins forward Rudy Gay added 20 points.
The Cavaliers didn't trail after the 10:02 of the first quarter and got out to a large first half lead with Love, Irving and J.R. Smith handling the scoring load. Love, in particular, shined in the first half as the Cavs went to him again and again on the block. In the first quarter alone, Love scored 16 points.
The Cavaliers next play tomorrow 8 p.m. tomorrow against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It will mark Love's first game in Minnesota since being traded to the Cavaliers over the summer.