John Lucas took time out from his lovefest to lay a licking on his old team.

Lucas, in his first season as Cavs coach, talked at length before the game about the fondness he had for the coaches and players with Denver, where he was an assistant coach for the previous three seasons.

It didn't bother Lucas in the least that injured Nuggets forward Antonio McDyess actually ripped him before the game for not staying in touch.

Then the Cavs ripped the Nuggets 109-99 last night at Gund Arena behind 33 points from forward Lamond Murray. But it was a rough game for Lucas emotionally.

``We needed a win, but it was very tough to play them,'' Lucas said. ``I have a lot of love for (Nuggets coach Dan Issel) and the organization.''

Lucas has talked about how Denver players McDyess, Nick Van Exel and James Posey moved to Houston so they could work out with him during off-seasons. McDyess was upset with Lucas because he said Lucas had not returned any of his calls after he underwent knee surgery in October.