CLEVELAND _ On Monday night at Quicken Loans Arena, it was hard to tell who was happier _ Kevin Love or Joe Thomas.
In a season of turmoil that saw coach Tyronn Lue step away earlier in the day to deal with long-lingering health issues, the dark sky is brightening when it comes to the Cavaliers' injuries.
Five-time All-Star Love played his first game in seven weeks after fracturing his left hand on Jan. 30 and centers Tristan Thompson and Larry Nance Jr. look close to returning, according to associate head coach Larry Drew.
Opening a three-game homestand after going 3-3 on their longest road trip of the season, Love's presence seemed to give the Cavs a lift in a 124-117 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
LeBron James scored 17 points in the third quarter and poured in 40 en route to his 16th triple-double of the season and 71st of his career. Love backed him with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 25 minutes.
Named Eastern Conference player of the week on Monday, James added 12 rebounds and 10 assists as the Cavs won for the third time in their last four games.
After the Cavs went without a field goal from the five-minute mark until 1:12 remained as the Bucks went on a 12-2 run, James helped the Cavs' cause with that lone two, going coast-to-coast for a slam. Jordan Clarkson added two free throws left for a 121-113 lead. As the Bucks resorted to fouling on every possession, the Cavs made 5-of-6 at the line during the final 36.3 seconds.
The Cavs hit 23-of-27 from the line for the game.
The Cavs honored retiring Browns left tackle Thomas during a first-quarter timeout. After a tribute video, Thomas received a bear hug from James and the 10-time Pro Bowl lineman beamed during the embrace.
The Cavs (40-29) took the series against the Bucks 3-1. Milwaukee (37-33) has not won or tied a season series against Cleveland since 2013.
Two-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo notched his 23rd 30-point game of the season, totaling 37 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Midway through the third quarter, James was angered by no-calls on two 3-point attempts, which prompted hearty booing from the crowd. But that seemed to ignite James, who scored 10 consecutive Cavs points to give the Cavs an 86-80 lead. On one of his made 3s, he was knocked to the floor, but still connected as the shot clock went off.
The Cavs led 93-85 at the break, helping the Bucks' cause with seven third-quarter turnovers.
The Cavs jumped out to a 64-57 halftime lead as Love pumped in 11 points in 11 minutes, making 4-of-7 from the field and 3-of-4 from long range. Love hit consecutive 3s off James assists in a 10-0 Cavs run that gave them a 58-51 lead; James scored the other four points.
The Cavs have been searching for a dependable No. 2 scorer during Love's absence as Love ranked second on the team with a 17.9 average entering the night. Love showed little rust with his shot, making 5-of-13 from the field, including 4-of-9 from long range.
The Cavs also got 13 points and six rebounds from rookie center Ante Zizic.
Kyle Korver started despite being questionable with right foot soreness and contributed 12 points in 28 minutes, making 3-of-6 from long range. Elevated to a starting role over J.R. Smith at Phoenix on March 13, Korver missed Saturday's game at Chicago because of his brother's illness, according to Drew.
The Cavs played without forward Rodney Hood (lower back strain) and Cedi Osman (left hip strain) and centers Thompson (sprained right ankle) and Nance (right hamstring soreness).
In pregame, Drew called the return of Love "a huge lift."
"He gives us that real inside presence along with his ability to shoot the ball from the outside. More than anything, I think we've really missed being able to go to someone else inside other than LeBron," Drew said.
Earlier in the day, James won his third Eastern Conference player of the week award of the season and 60th of his career. The Cavs went 2-1 as he averaged a league-best 32 points along with 13.3 rebounds, 9.7 assists, 2 steals and 2.3 blocks in 38 minutes. James shot .569 from the field, recorded three double-doubles and two triple-doubles.
