"Lost amid the disappointment of the Cavaliers' second consecutive heartbreaking loss in Florida was the news that Anderson Varejao recorded a double double Saturday against the Heat. Again.

That makes four consecutive double-digit points and rebounding efforts by the Cleveland center, eight double double performances this season, in all. Already, Varejao has logged new career highs in points (35) and rebounds (23) through the Cavaliers' 3-10 start to this season.

So, another double double against Miami was just another typical game for Varejao in what is becoming not only the 30-year-old's best NBA season, but also his best chance to make an All-Star Game appearance. His 14.1 rebounds per game leads the NBA, as do his 5.6 offensive rebounds per game. He's a perpetual-motion, hard-playing, physical player who has become the Cavaliers' best all-around player while Kyrie Irving continues to sit with a fractured finger.

"He's playing at an All-Star level, playing terrific basketball for us," Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said. "I don't know where we'd be if we didn't have him."