Gibson returns to Cleveland for personal reasons

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson missed Friday night’s game against Memphis after leaving earlier in the day to go back to Cleveland for personal reasons.

Gibson’s absence leaves the Cavaliers short-handed as Cleveland tries to avoid matching the league-record of 23 consecutive losses against the Grizzlies.

“We allowed him to go back to Cleveland to take care of some personal issues, and we’ll see him probably (Saturday),” Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said before the game.

Cleveland plays at home against Portland on Saturday.

Gibson was doubtful for Friday’s game. The guard had missed the Cavaliers’ previous two games with a left quad contusion.

“He didn’t go through shootaround, so I don’t know if he would have been able to play or not,” Scott said.

Gibson is the Cavaliers’ third-leading scorer at 13.3 points a game and leads the team in 3-point shooting at 44 percent.

In addition to Gibson, Cleveland is without second-leading scorer Mo Williams (left hip flexor strain) and Anderson Varejao, who has a right foot and ankle injury.