CtB Trifecta: Caps, Preview, and Live Thread (or, RICK ROLLING)

Good evening CtB!

Time to clean out the backlog and get back to business! Some random thoughts heading into tonight’s action…

1. Quickcap: Cavs 112, Suns 98 (or, Pro-Caris, Pro-Neto Agendas Victorious)

The story of this game was about the bench gang of Raul Neto, Caris LeVert, and Lamar Stevens clamping the game down on defense and putting away the hospital Phoenix Suns in the Valley of the Sun, 112-98. Those (me) who have been clamoring for Neto backup PG minutes have won the war of ideas. He’s been playing winning basketball for the past couple of weeks, and it would behoove Coach J.B. Bickerstaff to get over his trust issues with Neto and put some respect on the man’s game. Any time the point of attack defense is lacking, Neto should be in the game to change the dynamics.

Even though the counting stats don’t pop off, Caris LeVert may have had his best game as a Cav from an impact standpoint with a +28 plus/minus in 28 minutes off the bench against Phoenix. He’s been trending in the right direction over the past few weeks (Utah notwithstanding) looking more decisive with the ball (6-10 shooting, seven assists to one turnover), and being extremely active on defense (three steals). After some cursory research, Caris is comfortably a top 10 third offensive option in the NBA. This is relevant given all of the trade talk surrounding LeVert. Trying to improve upon LeVert means trying to acquire a player too good to be available for cheap: guys such as Bradley Beal, Jimmy Butler, Malcolm Brogdon, Michael Porter Jr., or CJ McCollum. Given the smoke regarding Tim Hardaway Jr., it’s safe to say any player the Cavs do acquire in a LeVert trade is highly likely to be a lesser player that they’re banking on “fit” to make up for the loss in talent/skill. To that, yours truly says “that’s some bozo shit!”

2. Quickcap: Cavs 114, Jazz 116 (or, Fat Cats, the Sequel)

The Cavs fell into their “fat cats” trap in this game, getting torched on the boards (outrebounded 54-37) and playing selfish basketball (outassisted 21-18). There were bright spots starting off with Donovan Mitchell entertaining the former home crowd with a 40-burger (46 points total). Also, Lamar Stevens had a great game off the bench and guarding Lauri Markkanen. But Cedi Osman was awful off the bench, NBA Champion Kevin Love had an ice cold night shooting, and Caris LeVert got refballed into oblivion. J.B. could’ve helped sticking with some more Love for rebounding and some more Neto for perimeter defense. All in all, it was a game the Cavs deserved to lose and did.

3. RICKY RUBIO IS BACK

ESPN Sources: After a full year of rehabilitating an ACL tear in his left knee, Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio is targeting a return against the Trail Blazers on Thursday. Rubio will practice today, and if all goes well, play in Portland tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/wB5RzNhRdy

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 11, 2023

WELCOME BACK KING! LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo

4. NBA Champion Kevin Love goes home

The Cavs travel to the City of Roses to take on the Portland Trail Blazers in some late night basketball action. It’s a homecoming game for Love so hopefully he can get his shot going in the friendly confines of Moda Center. This season the Blazers are the poster child of mediocrity. The Cavs need to handle their business and it starts on the defensive end forcing turnovers against the turnover-happy Blazers. Ricky’s back, the squad is deep, it’s time to get excited about the second half of the season, Go Cavs!