The Cleveland Cavaliers entered Tuesday night’s game against the Orlando Magic with plenty of struggles on the floor. However, the team looked much better in the first half of the contest, taking a 16-point lead against an overmatched opponent.
Unfortunately, though, there was an unfortunate subplot to the performance, as head coach Tyronn Lue was forced to leave the Cavs bench near the end of the second quarter for what was, at the time, an unspecified reason.
Cavs Head Coach Ty Lue has exited the locker room and is not headed back to the court
— Danny Thompson (@danny3thompson) February 7, 2018
During the halftime break, Lue was reportedly surrounded by the coaching staff while the players gathered separately in the locker room.
https://twitter.com/ChrisBarnewall/status/961045121306423298
To that point, there was not a reason provided for Lue’s impromptu exit. But just moments before the start of the third quarter, Cavs broadcaster Fred McLeod indicated that Lue would not return as a result of unspecified illness.
Ty Lue with an illness will remain in locker room for the 2nd half
— Fred McLeod (@CavsFredMcLeod) February 7, 2018
First and foremost, best wishes go to Lue, as the uncertainty regarding his exit is scary in some ways. The title-winning coach has come under fire during Cleveland’s recent downturn but health is paramount and a more firm update will hopefully be on the way as the Cavaliers gather more information. This is the second time this year Lue’s health prevented him from coaching, as he missed a game in December against the Bulls while dealing with an illness.
In his absence, the Cavaliers will be led by assistant coach and former Hawks and Bucks head coach Larry Drew.
