A random dribble after the Cavaliers lost 116-107 to the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
I’m glad the trip is over. The Cavs are currently on a four-game winning streak, with five of the seven coming at home. Then we can better understand the big picture.
Honestly, I didn’t think the Cavs would have much of a chance after seeing them in Boston two days ago.
The Celtics are already bigger and more dangerous when it comes to scoring at the rim. The absence of Evan Mobley (knee) will make managing the latter much more difficult.Three. But that doesn’t explain how the Cavs came out so flat. It was as if they had been flying for two days, only they spent the last two nights in Boston.
I thought about the first round playoff series and the opposing team. Not. Even though the Cavs cut the deficit to three (90-87) late in the third quarter…well, they never had a chance to win.
Boston is currently the Beast of the East. But I think the Cavs can beat anyone if they play better than they did Thursday. I also wonder why Tristan Thompson played three minutes despite the Cavs being gone. This is especially true when Jarrett Allen takes a breather. I think the Cavs could use more of what Thompson provides: defense, rebounding and a lot of hustle. It was J.B. This is not to discredit Coach Bickerstaff or to suggest that Thompson will win the game. I found the decision to leave him on the bench interesting.
Donovan Mitchell led the way with 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists on 12-of-24 shooting. Caris LeVert survived with 26 off the bench to help keep Cleveland going in the third quarter. Darius Garland added 19 points but had just three assists compared to five turnovers. You can’t take the ball easily against a team like Boston.
No one bowed down.Â
Cleveland had too much offense and Boston had too many drives for easy leads. The Cavs are struggling with momentum, but they’re not that different from other teams.
They were completely there physically and gave it their all. But it causes a lot of crazy nervous breakdowns. I also don’t think the Cavs are that far off from the team they could be. I don’t blame them for not winning in Boston (or even Orlando). They need a little luck before they get their way. But they have to start taking breaks themselves.
There is no need to panic. I know you want to, but you don’t. Not yet. If the Cavs are healthy, they will be at their best when it matters most. I really think so. Next: Atlanta at Cleveland on Saturday.
The shopping season finally unofficially kicks off on Friday. What are the Cavs thinking? I previously wrote a column on this issue.
