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Tyronn Lue says Thompson will remain in Cavs' starting lineup

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

New Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue told reporters Wednesday that Tristan Thompson will start at center going forward.

Thompson had been inserted into the starting lineup by former coach David Blatt just after Christmas, but was switched back to the bench for five games before drawing a start in Monday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"It's been tough because we've talked about it as a coaching staff a numerous amount of times, but I think, right now in the starting lineup, Tristan plays a lot better," Lue said.

The decision to start Thomson moves seven-footer Timofey Mozgov back to bench duty.

The Cavaliers have a net rating of 6.9 points per 100 possessions better with Thompson on the floor, according to Basketball-Reference. The Canadian is averaging a double-double at just over 10 points and 10 rebounds per game over 13 starts heading into Wednesday's date with the Phoenix Suns. His field-goal percentage as a starter is 60.5 percent, compared to 54.3 percent when coming off the bench.

Thompson signed a five-year extension worth a reported $82 million with the Cavs in October.

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