CLEVELAND — Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue is taking a leave of absence to address health issues that have included chest pains, loss of sleep and coughing up blood. The team made Lue take the break, according to reports Monday.
Lue, 40, said tests have offered no conclusion about what the issue is. He said his goal is to return in a week.
"While I have tried to work through it, the last thing I want is for it to affect the team. I am going to use this time to focus on a prescribed routine and medication, which has previously been difficult to start in the midst of a season," Lue said.
Cavs star LeBron James said Lue’s decision was "probably well overdue. I knew he was struggling, but he was never not himself. He was just dealing with it the best way he could.’’
Associate head coach Larry Drew began running the team with Monday’s 124-117 home victory over the Bucks. James had 40 points 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his 16th triple double this season and 71st of his career. Forward Kevin Love returned after missing six weeks (broken left hand) and scored 18 in 25 minutes. He sparked a 10-0 run in the second quarter with two 3-pointers.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Victor Oladipo sparked a decisive run and finished with 20 points, Myles Turner had 21 points and the host Pacers recovered from a poor start for a 110-100 victory over the Lakers. … Joel Embiid had 25 points and 19 rebounds and Ben Simmons had 11 points, 12 rebounds and 15 assists to lead the host 76ers to a 108-94 win over the Hornets. … Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 22 and Michael Beasley added 17 as the host Knicks beat the Bulls 110-92.
AROUND THE LEAGUE: Magic forward Aaron Gordon cleared concussion protocol and can play tonight against the Raptors. He missed five games. … Pelicans rookie guard Frank Jackson won’t play this season after follow-up surgery to remove residual scar tissue from right foot operations in May and during last summer.
