Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue has come a long way in his short stint at the helm of the NBA’s defending champs. During last season’s playoffs, Lue led the Cavs to a 10-0 start, setting a new rookie coaching record. And let’s not forget last season’s epic come-from-behind victory against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, down three games to one. This season, Lue has ushered the Cavs to the semifinal round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs, where they currently lead the Toronto Raptors one game to none.
For a second-year coach to accomplish what Lue has is truly a remarkable feat. There are some who might argue that his job is made easy by having the likes of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love on the roster. While that would be a solid point to make, there still has to be someone pushing the right buttons. That someone is Tryonn Lue.
Lue recently sat down for an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin to discuss a wide variety of topics. During the meeting, McMenamin brought up the fact that James has a strong will — a fact most NBA fans know well. So, does that strong willpower affect Lue’s demeanor on the court in the heat of battle?
“McMenanim: LeBron is obviously strong-willed. Has his will affected the way you have to change your demeanor? Like, you’re a somewhat laid-back guy in normal circumstances. But when you are in the trenches with him, so to speak, does he change the way you interact?”
“Lue: No. I know how to push his buttons and I know how to get to him to get him mad and that’s a good thing. But I’ve always learned throughout my years in the NBA, just being poised on the sideline. Not going crazy every possession — on the officials, on your players. When you get to the timeouts in the fourth quarter, late-game situations, everyone is poised. Like, no one is all over the place. Everyone is locked in and you can execute better.”
By this account, it seems the bond between Lue and James is stronger than ever. Someone has to be able to get through to the best basketball player on Earth occasionally, right?