Cavaliers’ Big Three find comfort zone

Associated Press

ATLANTA

The Big Three yucked it up after their latest playoff sweep, a far cry from the uneasiness that prevailed at the beginning of their relationship.

It may have taken a while to find their groove, but the Cavaliers are sure enjoying how it all worked out.

Cleveland moved on to the Eastern Conference finals after its second straight playoff sweep, displaying all its star power Sunday in a 100-99 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

Kevin Love led the way with 27 points, 13 rebounds and eight 3-pointers. LeBron James did his usual part with 21 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and a defensive stop that preserved the win. Kyrie Irving chipped in with 21 points and eight assists while playing more than 42 minutes.

“It’s something that we all envisioned,” James said. “We’re in a great rhythm right now, as far as us three. We know exactly where we want to be on the floor.”

Their camaraderie was evident when Love was asked if he felt more comfortable in Year 2 with the Cavaliers.

“I don’t know. What do you guys think?” he said, smiling as he turned to James and Irving.

They tried to hold back, but neither could keep from laughing. Irving pounded his right hand on the podium, while James briefly covered his face.

“‘Game of Thrones’ — I’m trying to get them to watch that,” Love suddenly blurted out, drawing even more chuckles from his teammates.

After spending four years in Miami, and winning two championships, James returned to the Cavaliers before last season intent on bringing home the franchise’s first championship. Irving was already on board, and Love was acquired from Minnesota to complete a revised version of Miami’s Big Three — James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

But Love struggled to find his niche in Cleveland, not used to sharing the spotlight with two other superstars. They finally got rolling toward the end of last season, only to have Love go down with a season-ending injury in the opening round of the playoffs and Irving get knocked out in the NBA Finals against Golden State.

With James left on his own, the Cavaliers fell to Golden State in six games.

The Warriors remain the title favorite after setting an NBA record with 73 wins, but the Cavaliers appear poised to put up an even stiffer challenge should the two teams meet again in June.