The Cleveland Cavaliers have been dealing with injuries to a few key players, and it's starting to show. Cleveland has struggled in the new year, going just 5-5 since the calendar flipped to January. Let's get you up to speed with the week that was and the week ahead with our Cavs Weekly update:
Last Week:
Cleveland was closing a six-game road trip against the Golden State Warriors at the start of the week, and safe to say that the Cavs were tired and didn't have their best. Down 29 points at halftime, the Cavs didn't have the answers as Golden State cruised to the 126-91 win. It was the last matchup of the regular season between the two teams.
The Cavs then enjoyed two days off upon their return home, and the rest was needed. They responded with a dominant 118-103 win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Kevin Love didn't play (back spasms), but the rest of the Big 3 stepped up. Kyrie Irving led the team with 26 points, and LeBron James finished with 21 points and 15 assists.
That led to the first ESPN NBA Saturday Primetime game of the season last night, in which the Cavs hosted the San Antonio Spurs. In what will go down as one of the best games of the season, LeBron and Kyrie dropped 29 points apiece and hit clutch shots down the stretch to force overtime - it just wasn't enough. San Antonio got the 118-115 win behind Kawhi Leonard's career-high 41 points.
What's Next?
Cleveland hits the road again to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, then return home for a three-game homestand. They will host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, Brooklyn Nets on Friday and Oklahoma City Thunder next Sunday. Read more Cavs news in the Chat Sports iPhone and Android apps.
Injuries:
Guard J.R. Smith is expected to miss another 8-10 weeks after having surgery to repair his broken right thumb, which he suffered on Dec. 20. Forward Kevin Love is still listed as day-to-day with back spasms despite playing against the Spurs.
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