Defending the Stars
As Morris said, to be the best you’ve got to beat the best.
A reason the Washington Wizards couldn’t take a larger lead in the second half was the play of Kevin Love and LeBron James. Cleveland came out of halftime motivated after being down three at the break, and outscored the Wizards by 7 in the third.
Of their 32 third quarter points, Love had 15 including three 3 pointers. His offensive explosion aligned perfectly with Kevin Harlan and Grant Hill discussing a report from Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.
According to the report, “LeBron is the one pushing the Cleveland Cavaliers front office to acquire Carmelo even if it potentially means having to include Kevin Love”.
It was fascinating watching the announcers debate who would be better for the team and Love in real time dominating the Wizards inside and out. Is it possible Love saw the report at halftime?
When guarded by Morris, Love spaced to the 3-point line. When guarded by Porter, Love laid waste to him in the paint. He showed exactly why Cleveland’s management doesn’t want to trade the All-Star.
LeBron detested the report after the game, saying “It’s trash, and the guy who wrote it is trash too.” Regardless of that, in this league when players are this hot it’s hard to beat them. Beal was equally hot on offense, but one team had to lose.
LeBron, even before the late three, hit three threes in the fourth in a 1:30 minute stretch, keeping Washington from leading by more than three points. Lastly, Irving scored 11 of his 23 points in overtime, reminding everyone that he’s a clutch player as well.
Wall seemed to do a good job on Irving early in the game, and whether by scheme or mismatches, Beal was left on Irving most of the overtime, when he did his damage.
Next: Why the Wizards Have One of the Best Young Cores
Irving, James and Love combined for 94 points, but the Wiz were really hurt by the play from Tristan Thompson, who scored 22 points and had some huge offensive rebounds late.