With Kevin Love (20 ppg, 11 rebounds) out approximately six weeks after knee surgery, the Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t so “top heavy” anymore. So it’s up to the middle of the Cavaliers lineup — i.e. not LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving — to produce. On Tuesday night against the hapless but talented Timberwolves, Cavs forward Channing Frye stepped up with 21 points and 10 boards. That’s almost exactly what Love has been brining game in, game out.
The top of the Cleveland rotation was still heavy for the Cavs, with James and Irving combining for 50 points, each making ten field goals. (James shot 71% from the floor.) Tristan Thompson added 14 points in 35 minutes, going 6-of-7 from the field. Cavaliers beat the Timberwolves 116-108.