He also said he wanted to come back earlier in Cleveland's four-game homestand but doctors insisted that Thursday would be the right day for him to get back to the bench.

Lue announced he was taking medical leave on March 19 after experiencing chest pains and other symptoms this season. LeBron James is thrilled to have his head coach back, saying Lue was missed. Pictured: Head coach Tyronn Lue of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of the National Basketball Association game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, March 13, 2018. And he doesn't have a head-coaching job in this league? "Our rotations were a little off tonight so, I mean, I was rusty".

The Cavs, who led by as many as 15 in the first half, trailed by 17 with 7:35 left in the fourth quarter.

"He's our championship head coach, so he knows everything about our team", James said Thursday. "I don't have a quit bone in me, so if I'm on the floor I've got to try to make plays happen no matter what the score is". "That's just my mindset". Philadelphia has won each of its last 12 games, but Cleveland has managed to limit the damage to this point with a 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS record over its last 10 games.

It's a crucial game, isn't it?

"He wants us to play fast as well", shooting guard Rodney Hood said, as he compared Lue to Drew. Going into Boston with the new guys was a big win for us.

More on that in a minute.

After another Washington miss, James again split a pair of free throws to make it a two-point game.

James, who scored 13 during the final period led all scorers with a double-double, scoring 33 points and handing out 14 assists, while grabbing nine rebounds.

Wizards: Wall lost weight during his recovery, and coach Scott Brooks said that should help the All-Star going forward. Lue started Osman at point.

"He's been with us", James said. "We had no rhythm".

Overall, a change in diet and a commitment to exercise got Lue back on the right path. Osman is the seventh different starting point guard for Cleveland, which because of injuries has had 29 starting lineups. Cleveland backup point guard, Jose Calderon, was a late scratch because of discomfort in his left hamstring. Cleveland ended up with 16 turnovers, leading to 26 points for Washington.

Lue, 40, has been plagued by health concerns all season.

Playing in just his third game since surgery, Wall had that burst back in his first step and he found his touch after two tough games. If the Celtics didn't get out of the first round, a No. 3 seed would have home-court advantage.

"It's important for us to finish healthy", Lue said. "It's going to be good for his long-term recovery", Brooks said. "You don't get to see players like him often". Recently, he shared his health status and one of the hardest things that he had to do to recover.