Love, James lead Cavaliers past Hawks

Up 72-46, the Cavaliers lost possession on the offensive end thinks to a loose ball going out off of James.

Varejao has battled injuries throughout his career and is out of the rotation now, buried in a deep frontcourt that includes Kevin Love, Timofey Mozgov and Tristan Thompson.

Hawks: Bazemore, who has missed three straight games, worked out on the court before the game but there’s no timetable for his return….

Having Irving playing a few kind of competitive game with LeBron, and play well, is a great sign that he will be ready sooner rather than later. Kyrie Irving (fractured left kneecap) and Iman Shumpert (right wrist surgery) have yet to play. Dellavedova found himself with a big role again on Thursday due to an injury to Mo Williams (ankle), and responded with a career-high 13 assists and figures to see plenty of playing time again on Saturday with Williams sitting out again. Yet James and coach David Blatt still found plenty to be upset about despite a win that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated. “We’ve got to do better”.

On the season, Evan Fournier leads the Magic at 19.2 points while Nikola Vučević controls the paint at 15.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Smith was 4-for-10 from deep in the first half and Thompson had 12 rebounds. Paul Millsap had 23 points and a season-high 16 rebounds for his sixth double-double.

Bucks: O.J. Mayo made his season debut after missing the first 11 games because of a strained right hamstring….

“In general what really, really defines him as a player is his desire to win championships”, Blatt said.

The Cavs maintained a 63-48 lead at the half before almost giving it all back.

The Cleveland Cavaliers look to extend their winning streak to three games and stay undefeated at home as they host the up and coming Orlando Magic.

“We were very good at times”, the coach said, “and we were not very good at times tonight”.

James asked teammates about the idea last week, and it’s gone over well.

LeBron James has an unprecedented level of power for an National Basketball Association player, to the point where he can call plays and override his coach’s decisions without causing him too much controversy. The only thing is, you don’t want to rush back or do anything that’ll put you in a worse place.

“That’s how we need to play”, LeBron James said after putting up 27 points on 9-for-13 shooting – making eight of nine free throws – and finishing with nine rebounds and six assists. “I think being in Miami, the best thing about our team in Miami was that we could say whatever you wanted to say, when you wanted to say it, right then and there”.