Recap: Sixers 98, Cavs 97 (or, In Case You Missed This…)
2019-11-13Fair warning… in case you missed this game, this will not be a super long and in-depth recap. The fact is, this was actually the first game I was supposed to miss as I travel out of the country and away from a regular basketball viewing schedule for a few months. Though my trip was delayed by a day or two, I took some time away from packing to see if the Cavs could pull off a third straight road victory in their young season.
And, man… did they come amazingly and agonizingly close to doing so.
The, perhaps unfair, headline takeaway from this game will be that Kevin Love missed a last second, wide open three ball that might have clinched an unlikely upset for this surprising and upstart team. After all, KLove is their remaining star… the sharpshooting vet in who’s capable hands Coach Beilein undoubtedly wants the ball to be in for just these kinds of opportunities.
“Kevin is a great shooter, not a good shooter,” said Beilein post game. “He took his time but just didn’t nail it. It’s one of many looks I’ll take at that time.”
But, Kev wasn’t alone in missing shots on the night… particularly of the deep variety. The Cavs ostensibly needed a superior outside shooting night from their perimeter players to defeat the Sixers on their home court, yet they misfired on all but five of their 21 attempts. Two of those were made by Love, and two others came courtesy of… Tristan Thompson?
No… you read that right. After all, you can’t spell “three pointer” without double T.
DOUBLE T FOR THREEE! #BeTheFight pic.twitter.com/EiXRBd570Z
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 13, 2019
As luck would have it, Philly’s three point percentage took one look at Cleveland’s and braggadociously exclaimed… “Hold my beer!”
The Sixers missed 30 of the 38 triples they attempted, led by Tobias Harris’ 0-11 Spinal Tap Sombrero (yes… because it went to eleven). They somehow managed to undercut the Cavs’ 23.8% with a 21.1% of their own. While some might argue that this horror show beyond the arc contributed directly to the Cavaliers’ ability to keep this game close for the duration, they’d be missing the very thing that has made this team a revelation so far this season.
If you haven’t already… admit it. Haven’t you missed watching games like this? Games where the guys in wine, gold, blue (and sometimes orange), not only give maximum effort and are competitive… but actually look like they’re having a hell of a good time doing it?
Sure, you can look at the down side… like the missed shots or opportunity to beat a good team on the road, the equal number of turnovers to assists (13), or the fact that the Cavs couldn’t find a way to score again after taking a five point lead with 3:34 left in the game. Heck, you can even jump on my bandwagon about how the officials seemed disinterested in pointing out any sort of calls that might have delayed their departure for the night in the final few minutes… including several straight hardwood muggings.
But, I’m going to choose to look at the positives. The fight and scrappiness this team now exudes. The constant effort put into both sides of the ball, no matter the score. The way the vets and youngsters seem to enjoy playing together and are starting to complement one another. The flashes of real potential shown by the neophyte back court…
Ooowee, @dariusgarland22! pic.twitter.com/XlNO2UBGuY
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 13, 2019
YOUNG BULL https://t.co/4Oir0gzIzL
— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) November 13, 2019
Not to mention, the amazing job the former Wolverine, and current Wolf Whisperer has done infiltrating Captain Band Aid’s formerly thick skull… turning him into not just a confident shooter…
WITH CONFIDENCE! 💯 #BeTheFight pic.twitter.com/egOPN0ynjw
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 13, 2019
… but a semi-willing passer…
V nice dish from @JordanClarksons! 👀
📺 #CavsSixers on @FOXSportsCLE pic.twitter.com/hM9ZoSQENO
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 13, 2019
… although the wardrobe could still use some work…
— Joe Gabriele (@CavsJoeG) November 13, 2019
Without a rotation that includes a few more big bodies like Ante Zizic and John Henson, the Cavs were inevitably going to struggle to stop Joel Embiid (27 points, 16 boards, four assists and two blocks), but for the most part TT gave as good as he got with 17 points and 12 boards of his own. His newly dubbed “Poutine Push” (congrats Nate), has become almost automatic, and he added the aforementioned three ball to his repertoire in an increasingly terrifying trend. Only an ill-fated brain lock of a play in crunch time really soiled Tristan’s performance… but like the Love miss at the end, unfortunately that may be what most remember about his time tonight.
Yet, I think even the guy who missed the shot at the end didn’t miss the point of what’s happening with this team lately and the success they’re having…
“I’m the wrong guy to ask. I’m the guy who missed the last shot,” Love said. “But overall we beat two teams that we feel like we can compete with and probably should have a chance to win. Then we nearly beat a team tonight that’s going to be in the top three or four in the East at worst. They’re a team that’s really good. Tough matchup for us. I think we walk away feeling pretty damn good, minus the obvious.”
Honestly, even though I haven’t been able to see too many games this year, I realize how much I’ve missed watching entertaining Cavalier basketball like this. Games where, even when they lose a close game they could have won, I still come away feeling a sense of progress and optimism. And, that’s the only thing that bums me out really… that I feel like I’ll be missing out on watching this team experience the fun of growing and learning how to win together this season.
On a personal note, I’ll also miss the community here at C:tB. You all make the games that much more fun and enjoyable to watch. I promise to check in when I can, and hope to be back sometime before Steph Curry (lol)…
Until then… keep reading… keep chiming in… and GO CAVS!
Peace!
EG
The warriors are showing that culture doesn’t matter. Without their Three best players they suck. I’m so old that I remember bray saying that their organization could develop Chriss and all other ones were awful. He still stinks.
Go Browns ;)
I love that you think them them fielding a terrible roster isn’t purposeful. I bet you think Curry’s hand is broken too.
FYI, I get Memphis games where I live. I highly recommend checking out their games to see Morant. He is so fun to watch. Got some Kyrie lite handles and wizardry finishing and some Westbrook lite athleticism and power finishing. Some weird combo of the two, minus the outside shooting of Kyrie. But boy…… he basically gets into the paint whenever he wants even though teams know that is what he is trying to do 90% of the time and is a spectacular finisher with either hand or with power. Vision is pretty fantastic as advertised as well. Just fun… Read more »
Also didn’t see the game, but watched the highlights of Trae Young going all Oklahoma nonconference on Denver.
The turd verses the thorn
Im watching the Cabs this year, and they’re enjoyable. Just still torn if I want them to win, or lose and get a good draft pick. Plus I think strategically they need to trade TT and maximize the return for him. Should be a lot of contenders for the throne that want assets like TT and Love.
Pick dependent on it being in top 10. With the new lotto system pretty much means they are probably going to have to have around the 7th-8th worst record to keep it. Wouldn’t be surprised if we get some top 4 picks from teams worse than the 8th worst record. At this rate we’re unlikely to keep it. Which is ok. Unless injuries happen I don’t want them to tank enough to be that much worse than we likely are. I am sort of in the let the chips fall where they may camp. We keep the pick, great, if… Read more »
I think our record was tied for 11th heading into action tonight. We are right on the edge.
I for one favor keeping Love (he is under contract). If we get the feeling TT wants to return (at a slightly reduced rate), then he is a keeper too.
We have taken a step forward, it appears. I am not eager to take two steps back.
Extend him, imo.
What’s the number though? I can’t fathom paying more than 3/60, 3/70 for him. And even those numbers are scary IMO.
What else are they gonna spend it on?
True… mainly it would limit their ability to accrue more assets, but it’s not like I’m against re-signing him… I’m more concerned about the years… would rather not sign him into his age 33 season given his style of play is heavily reliant on being athletic and well-conditioned.
You make a good point about the age factor with his style of play. Something I hadn’t considered. It would need to be a reasonable deal.
Yeah, which is why I threw out the 3/70 number… that would give him a top 10 center salary, could even go 3/75 to get him close to top 5, but the 3 years ensures the Cavs are done after his age 31 season.
Shoot, even Myles Turner just signed and isn’t clearing 20m/yr, so I think 3/75 is pretty reasonable for both sides.
One issue is the dearth of FAs might drive up the price this offseason. I don’t know about what teams have a lot of cap.
I’m fuzzy on the exact numbers, but it appears only 5 teams are capable of maxing TT next year, maybe 10 teams are able to do 25m/yr.
25 is a lot. Randle got 21 a year for three years after putting up monster numbers last year. 21 ppg on 60% TS with 8.7 boards. Is he better than TT right now? Maybe not, though the Knicks system, or lack there of, does not do him, or anyone else on that team any favors. He is also 3 years younger than TT. Not sure I could stomach 25. I was thinking more in the 18 to 20 range.
I think one thing with TT is that he has championship pedigree… he knows what it takes to win a ring, so that could arguably make him worth more than Randle or Turner.
That said, I agree with the spirit of what you said. I initially thought the Cavs should be firm on 3/60. After 2nd thought, 3/25 isn’t going to jeopardize the possibility of doing another max/near-max contract if they want.
Dunno about the cap situation. I know we have a lot of expirings. I am inclined to keep the cap save for resigning TT at a reasonable deal. Of course it would have to be used prior to a Sexton extension in the next few years.
Seems like with TT resigning at 21 per year we would be at around 88 mil. Slightly less than a Max for a UFA. So you could do a second tier quality guy for around 20 mil and around an 8 mil contract after that. 2020-2021 cap is projected around 116. Expect it won’t change much for the two years after.
Cavs cap situation is far from a problem, they’ll have $50 million for next year…. projected cap is 118, and they’re a shade under 68. Sign him around 20m, then they’ll have enough for another max contract provided it’s the first tier of tenured veterans.
Hell yeah EG… safe travels and great recap! I think the most exciting part of the season is that they’re going to get better as the season progresses because of all the youth. I like what Cedi’s doing so far, he’s making fewer mistakes, defense is better, and he’s only going to get better. Sexton’s defense has gotten better, Garland’s defense isn’t horrible for a rookie and should improve on offense, Porter’s been surprisingly good on defense and he should improve on offense. Can’t wait to see what Windler’s shooting brings to the table. Getting either Henson or Zizic back… Read more »
EG, I couldn’t agree more…and you seem to suggest your waiting for “this kind of basketball” goes back beyond LeBron’s departure. It is so refreshing to watch all five guys on the court engage defensively and move as though they all have a chance to contribute offensively. I wish the assist numbers were up, as they continue to be at the bottom of assist differential (76ers are #1) at -4.4 per game. I am not expecting Sexton or Clarkson to suddenly get it, so it’s up to Garland to become a true point. Nate, you say you are torn–I understand.… Read more »
WATCHING THAT CLIP BELOW GIVES ME ALOT OF HOPE DARLAND WILL TURN OUT TO BE A GOOD PLAYER —-WHEN –( NOT IF ) HIS OUTSIDE SHOOTING DEVELOPS / COMES AROUND —LOOK OUT !!!
I have little doubt he’ll be good. It’ll be interesting to see him later in the season when he feels more comfortable and has confidence. I’d love to see him have a game where he nails five 3’s and scores 20+ points, because I think that would help him turn the corner. As it is, he’s generally not killing the Cavs with his play — he’s playing too reserved, but that’s way better than taking terrible shots and hijacking the offense. Safe voyage, EG — good writeup, as always. Hope you’re able to talk at least a little about your… Read more »
Great stuff EG. The feeling is mutual, both on the Cavs and having you around.
Peace, and good fortune.
WOW WHERE DO I START — 1)—AM THANKFUL WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOU WITH US 1 MORE TIME FOR AWHILE—GOOD LUCK AND GOD SPEED WITH YOU EVIL ONE 2)—YES I ENJOY WATCHING THESE CAVS– –( DON’T WATCH LIVE / WATCH REPLAYS )— MORE SO THAN MOST RECENT CAVS TEAMS WITH THE DRAMA / POORLY COACHED TEAMS OF THE PAST —-THEY SEEM TO REALLY BE PREPARED FOR EACH GAME / PLAY –GROW TOGETHER / PLAY HARD ALL 4 QTRS—TESTIMONY TO THE ” J.C. WHISPERER ” BEILEIN / STAFF 3) –WILL HELP IN ROTATIONS WHEN WE GET MORE BODIES HEALTHY/… Read more »
“Spinal Tap Sombrero” you rely are an evil genius.
My brain when seeing Clarkson’s getup, “Huh. He really digs Thelma and Louise.”
Also this team is so much more enjoyable to watch than last year. Whether teams are overlooking them or not, they are competitive. Actually given that no one expected them too be competitive, I find them more enjoyable to watch than the dysfunction and needless drama of the last few years of regular season LBJ Cavs teams.
Watched parts of first half and then some hilights on YouTube…the Embiid bucket to make it 97-96 he traveled in the paint…every Cav was calling it..also Sexton last bucket he got fouled for and one but never called…Love had good look..I think he didn’t need to pump fake though…anyways cavs team looks exciting…better start than anticipated and only going to get better…should have all their guys back in next few weeks GO CAVS!!!
Tristan completely lost his mind. He had two open guys to pass to and heaved from half court with about 4 seconds on the shot-clock. TT, buddy, whacha doin? goodness that was rough. Jordan tried to match the idiocy when he passed to Sexton without enough time to shoot. Definitely a bummer sequence for a team playing relatively smart team ball. Garland had some really nice defensive flashes. I am beginning to get excited about him. He has the feel, and I think he is one click away from being real good. Maybe like a lesser version of how Trae… Read more »
I’m so torn on Garland.
I think it’s a good thing Beilein is coaching him at this point in his development.