Lue has perfect coaching touch for unbeaten Cavs

CLEVELAND (AP) — The perfect coach plopped down in his seat at the podium, his face a mixture of exhaustion and exultation.

Tyronn Lue has yet to lose a game in his first NBA postseason with the Cavaliers, who are 10-0 and looking invincible, threatening to sweep through the Eastern Conference playoffs on the way to a second straight visit to the finals.

The remarkable run has sent Lue – an 11-year, seven-team journeyman point guard – past Pat Riley for the most consecutive playoff wins to start a coaching career.

“I always just think back, coming from a small town in Mexico, Missouri, that I would ever be in a position that I’m in now today,” he said.

He’s not alone.

But with a firm, even-handed approach, Lue has bonded the Cavs and pushed them to their best basketball in two seasons since LeBron James came home. Cleveland has a 2-0 lead over Toronto in a series that to this point hasn’t been remotely close. The Cavs have won 17 straight playoff games against Eastern teams heading into Game 3 on Saturday.

Since taking over when the Cavs fired David Blatt in January despite a 30-11 record and conference crown last season, Lue has built trust within a team that often seemed on the verge of splintering.

He’s managed egos, implemented an up-tempo offense and made some deft decisions. And, maybe most important, he has James believing in him.

The four-time MVP, who recorded a triple-double – 23 points, 11 assists and …

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