Game 22 | Hornets (14-9) @ Cavaliers (16-5) | December 10, 2016 | 7:30 PM

[MirORich]

And you're pleased that LeBron had to log 40 minutes on a December back-to-back to achieve that?

It's bullshit. This game should have been over midway through the 3rd, with LeBron getting some much-needed rest.

People's obsession with minutes in an NBA that has drastically reduced the overall number of back to backs and 4 games in 5 nights is unreal.

The type of insane rest and rehab routine and tech that LeBron uses is also so different to anything common 8-10 years ago.

The assertion that the game should have been over by mid third quarter is a complete disregard for the quality of tonight's opponents and their coaching staff. There are two teams on the court.
You're acting as if the Cavs got lazy and allowed the Mavs or Nets to take them down to the wire or as of LeBron was exerting playoff level effort tonight. He was amazing but this was not that type of energy draining game.

Not trying to be combative just do not see this the same way as you.

 

[The Oi]

And you're pleased that LeBron had to log 40 minutes on a December back-to-back to achieve that?

It's bullshit. This game should have been over midway through the 3rd, with LeBron getting some much-needed rest.

Do you watch games and enjoy them?

 

[Cavsfan1985]

As far as mins even LJ has said, it is more about mins played in a season vs average per game. So while yes I would love to see him play less per game, keep giving him time off and all will be good.

 

[amurderofcrows]

+/- Looks like such a shitty stat at times.
Shump +22
Liggins +14
Love +13
And then...
LBJ -1

 

[Ohio]

+/- Looks like such a shitty stat at times.
Shump +22
Liggins +14
Love +13
And then...
LBJ -1

Preach...

 

[godfather]

+/- Looks like such a shitty stat at times.
Shump +22
Liggins +14
Love +13
And then...
LBJ -1

A lot of times it comes down to who you play with.

Overall, I think +/- can only be accurately evaluated in a very large sample of games, plural. It's still not a perfect stat even then, but has some merit.

But through game-to-game, it doesn't tell you a damn thing really.

 

[Zog]

If nothing else that should show that we were finally able to extend leads without LeBron. In tonight's case, Love and company were very effective and extended the lead from 3 to 10 after LeBron subbed out in the first quarter.

 

[Benedict_Boozer]

I would like to see LBJ's minutes come down but it's hard for Lue because the minute he sits, we usually bleed points.

Where Lue could improve is stop playing him for entire quarters, sneak in a couple minutes at the tail end or midway of quarters.

We might just have to accept that LBJ will take more games off than normal to compensate, and that those games will basically be automatic losses. HCA likely won't be in the cards again in the Finals but what can you do.

 

[bobbyh]

I would like to see LBJ's minutes come down but it's hard for Lue because the minute he sits, we usually bleed points.

Where Lue could improve is stop playing him for entire quarters, sneak in a couple minutes at the tail end or midway of quarters.

We might just have to accept that LBJ will take more games off than normal to compensate, and that those games will basically be automatic losses. HCA likely won't be in the cards again in the Finals but what can you do.

I'd like for them to at least get HCA in the East again.

I'd rather have HCA for those three series rather than the finals if I had my pick, imo.

 

[Zog]

I'd like for them to at least get HCA in the East again.

I'd rather have HCA for those three series rather than the finals if I had my pick, imo.

I think it's very likely they will have HCA throughout the East.

Curious as to why you would want them to have HCA throughout the East more than the Finals? I feel like they could play every game on the road in the East and still make the Finals.

 

[Andrew]

Whelp, that was the complete opposite of James resting but when you can score 44 points, 10 assists and 9 boards resting in December seems not necessary.

Also continuing to enjoy this offensive-minded Love and while Irving didn't have it, the other two got it done.

Honorable mention to Shumpert. This guy lost weight in the off-season and he obviously worked on his shot. Another solid effort with 16 off the bench.

Also glad to see Smith back, I kind of think the team got a mental boost from it.

 

[BigJ]

I think some are really a bit obsessed with Lebrons Minutes.

He already has sat out a whole Game. Thats 36-7 Minutes less already. Spread that out over 21 Games he Played and this lowers his Minutes on average by almost 2 per Game.
Give him 10 Games off over the course of the Season thats like Playing him 5 Minutes less in the 72 Games he actually Plays.
Would it be extra nice if he had 10 Games of AND only played 33-34 Minutes?? .. sure. But lets not overreact and act like we run him into the Ground.

If he is tired he will demand and get rest. He knows his body the best. I have learned to trust Lebron on this. He is the best Player next to Karl Malone ever at taking care of his body.
If he feels like 37 Minutes per Game are not draining him.. then fine.. Give him a Full Game of Rest here and there and let him Play in the rest of the Games as much as he feels he is capable of.