Cavaliers reap rewards of strong depth in rout of Grizzlies

MEMPHIS — LeBron James went to the bench with 6:20 left in the first quarter, replaced by Richard Jefferson who subbed for James 41 seconds later on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies than he did in Tuesday’s season-opening loss to the Chicago Bulls.

With James on the bench and the Cavs missing starting guard Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert because of injuries, Cleveland’s depth began turning the game into a rout.

Kevin Love made a three-pointer. Jefferson connected on a three. So did Matthew Dellavedova. A 16-point first-quarter lead turned into a 21-point halftime lead, and the Cavs kept extending the margin until the 106-76 final.

Love and James were the only starters in double figures for Cavs, but the three other starters: Timofey Mozgov, J.R. Smith and Mo Williams were a point away from double figures.

Jefferson had 14 points, Dellavedova 12 and Jared Cunningham, who made good on a training camp deal, also scored 12. Tristan Thompson had eight rebounds andAnderson Varejao had five.