The Associated Press
CLEVELAND—Tyronn Lue has had a hectic few days.
He now has his first win as an NBA coach.
LeBron James scored 25 points to lead six players in double figures as the Cleveland Cavaliers downed the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-107 last night.
Cleveland lost to Chicago on Saturday—a day after Lue replaced David Blatt, who was fired Friday.
Lue was presented the game ball in the locker-room following the win.
“It’s only been two games but to get my first head coaching win, it means a lot,” he said.
“I came in the locker-room, the team presented me with the game ball, LeBron gave a speech, and they all gave me a hug and said congratulations.”
“It’s a special moment for anyone,” James noted. “It could be a rookie player, a rookie head coach.
“When you get that first win, it’s very special,” he added. “You never forget it.”
Lue admitted the last few days have been a whirlwind.
“Things are still moving fast for me,” he remarked. “I’m not used to it yet, but I think I’m ready for it.
“I think after tonight and the Phoenix game [Wednesday], I think things will start to slow down.”
The timing of Lue’s promotion came as a shock considering the Cavaliers have the best record in the Eastern Conference.
A lacklustre loss to Chicago didn’t help but Lue understands the expectations he’s inherited.
“It comes with the territory,” he said.
“When you coach this type of team, a team who has aspirations of winning a championship, it’s going to be like this.”
Karl-Anthony Towns led Minnesota with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
Zach LaVine scored 21 points while Andrew Wiggins added 20.
The Cavaliers selected Wiggins with the No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft, but traded him to Minnesota in the deal that brought Kevin Love to Cleveland.
“They made runs, we made runs,” noted Wiggins, who is averaging 28.8 points in four game against Cleveland.
“They made the last run and that won the game.”
