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The Cavs entered tonight’s game without J.R. Smith and Channing Frye, and facing the prospect of Kevin Love sitting out with back spasms. It was a home game, and the visiting Heat are hurt. It remains to be seen how good they are when healthy. Even so, we aren’t that far removed from a couple weeks of listless Cavs play.
A road win over the Raptors, and two decisive wins over the Knicks and Heat later, and it seems as though the Cavs have snapped out of it.
Your Cleveland Cavaliers 114, the Miami Heat 84.
The Cavs received a top-heavy scoring distribution, with Kevin Love, LeBron James, and Kyrie Irving combining for 78 points. Gone are the days when these guys couldn’t all get it going for balanced Big Three scoring. Love and Irving have been extremely efficient from the field this season, and LeBron James is playing more point guard than ever. He’s pretty good at it. After tonight, just eight NBA players have scored more points in the regular season than he has. James had 27 points, Irving 23, and Love 28.
DeAndre Liggins continues to make a bid to join the rotation as a low-usage wing that can defend and pitch in a bit offensively. He’s shown more than Jordan McRae and Kay Felder, though it’s still early. He has an NBA body and athleticism. Right now he’s shooting well enough, and not trying to do too much.
What did you guys see?