MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – When Philip Speering’s mother told him she would do something special for him making good grades, he focused on the Cleveland Cavaliers only visit to Memphis to face the Grizzlies.
Speering, 15, wanted to see LeBron James. He wanted to see Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.
Speering got his wish to see the Cavaliers and Grizzlies game Wednesday night, but without Cleveland’s main three players in the ever-growing playing maintenance NBA teams are employing.
“Honestly, I feel like they should come and support their (fans),” said Speering in a Believeland T-shirt. “I understand rest, but it’s kind of disappointing.
Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue announced immediately after beating Memphis 103-86 in Cleveland on Tuesday night that James, Irving and Love would not make the overnight, one-game trip. The Cavaliers next game is at home Saturday against the Lakers.