The Cleveland Cavaliers kept veteran guard Lonzo Ball on the bench for rest Monday night and still secured a 113-101 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said the decision balanced lineup experimentation with long-term health considerations for Ball, who agreed to the plan.
Cavaliers
With Ball inactive, rookie Craig Porter Jr. handled the backup point-guard role and logged 15 productive minutes. He totaled six rebounds and four assists, while Cleveland outscored San Antonio by 12 during his time on the court—the exact margin of victory.
Magic
In Toronto, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero continued to work his way back from a left groin strain suffered on Nov. 12. The 2022 No. 1 overall pick tallied 23 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, registering the fourth triple-double of his career. Despite Banchero’s performance, Orlando squandered a large lead and fell by one point. Head coach Jamahl Mosley pointed to the Raptors’ 21 offensive boards and 18 second-chance points as decisive factors. Banchero was held scoreless in the fourth quarter and missed a step-back three at the final horn.
Bulls
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White left Monday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a right calf injury and did not return. White has already missed time this season because of calf problems. The setback comes as his name frequently appears in trade speculation ahead of his expected unrestricted free agency this summer.
Source: Hoops Wire
