The Cavaliers handily beat the Hawks on Saturday night, but there was still a reason for apologies after the game for one Cleveland player.
All-Star forward LeBron James, frustrated with a turnover in the third quarter, walked off the court and sat down on the bench in the middle of play. Because he left the Cavaliers with just four players on the court, referees assessed a technical foul per NBA rules.
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James apologized to his teammates after the game, saying he "blew a gasket." The Cavaliers were up 72-46 at the time and went on to win 109-97. This wasn't the first time the James has expressed some frustration with his squad.
Cavaliers coach David Blatt joked that James thought he was playing hockey and subbed himself out like he was playing for the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL.
"Well, he was frustrated. He knew we weren't playing right," Blatt said. "I understand his frustration, but, obviously, you shouldn't do that."
James said he had a comeback for Blatt's hockey crack: "There aren't hockey subs in basketball, but I do make hockey assists."
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