On a night when the Memphis Grizzlies rested star center Marc Gasol and the Cavaliers gave Kyrie Irving the game off to rest, the few stars who were on the court showed out.
Those stars all happened to play for Cleveland and led the Cavs to a 103-86 victory.
Kevin Love scored a game-high 29 points and grabbed 13 boards.
LeBron James pitched in his usual 23 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.
But it was J.R. Smith who took advantage of a chance for a big night and it was clear from the start he was in a good rhythm.
Smith scored 10 points in the first quarter, knocking down two 3-pointers. He would go on to finish with a season-high 23 points, hitting 6-of-10 from deep.
For that performance, arguably his best of the season, Smith is our Role Player of the Game.
The Memphis Grizzlies were short-handed, due to injuries to Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons, coupled with the decision to rest Gasol, so the win should be taken with a grain of salt.
However, the Cavaliers received balanced contributions and had players throughout the roster step up in Irving’s absence, most notably DeAndre Liggins, who started at point guard and played 32 minutes, coming away with two steals, three points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Liggins has carved out a significant role with the team in just two short weeks, making the most of the opportunities that have presented themselves with Smith and Irving missing games.
His great all-around play could make an impact on how the Cavs address the backup point guard situation and whether or not they decide to pursue a veteran through a trade or free-agency.
Trade season should start to heat up on Thursday, when a large group of veteran players become trade eligible.
The Cavs are riding a five-game win-streak and improve to 18-5 with the win, while the Grizzlies fall to 17-9 on the season.
Both teams fly to Memphis for a Wednesday night rematch and the Grizzlies will have a well-rested Gasol in the Grind House, where the team is 10-4 on the season.
Tyronn Lue announced after the game none of the Big Three will travel to Memphis.
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