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Teflon Tyronn: When Two All Stars Are Not Enough

By Leonard New

Jan 27, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue looks at the scoreboard during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 124-116. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue looks at the scoreboard during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 124-116. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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We Got Who We Got- the Tyronn Lue phrase

“We Got What We Got” is a phrase that Lue recently gave credit to former Cavalier Larry Hughes, yes the overrated chap with the wayward jump shot, for originating.  This mantra supposedly insulates the players and coaches from feeling sorry for themselves during times of despair, including when they only have superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love to lean on.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers /

Cleveland Cavaliers

I looked out of curiosity through espn.com to see what the records of other teams are when their best player is out during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons.

When Stephen Curry was out of the lineup Golden State, with their two remaining stars of Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, had a record of 6-3 (4-2 in playoffs and 2-1 regular season) which is a 67% winning percentage.

During that same period Oklahoma City’s record without Kevin Durant was 29-35, which is a 45% winning percentage when Russell Westbrook had to go it alone.

Finally, when Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs was out of the lineup, leaving LaMarcus Aldridge and others to carry the load, his team’s record was 16-12 and that is a 57% winning percentage.

Based on this, the Golden State and San Antonio winning percentages would likely net a playoff berth, along with first round home court advantage.  The Oklahoma team would be a competitive, yet not quite playoff ready team.  The Cavaliers’ performance would be a top 3 lottery bound potential team that challenges for the worst record in the league.