CLEVELAND – The defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers played on without injured Kevin Love, J.R. Smith and Chris Andersen in Wednesday’s 125-97 victory over the Timberwolves at Quicken Loans Arena.
Before they did so, Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau was reminded that the Cavs still had a guy named LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
“That’s pretty good,” Thibodeau said, smiling.
Then in a mention that proved prescient, he mentioned Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson, among others, as well.
Irving had 10 assists by halftime on his way to a 14-point, 14-assist double-double while Thompson took the Wolves apart inside with a 18-point, 14-rebound effort of his own.