Live Thread: Cavs vs Grizzlies
2019-12-20I’m pretty bummed to be missing this one. Not only is the guy the Cavs should have drafted (Brandon Clarke) playing for the Grizz, but it’s Whammer bobble head night. That’s tough. At least Senator Ted Cruz won’t be lacing them up for Memphis, as Grayson Allen is expected to miss tonight’s game with an ankle injury. Only Dylan Windler remains out for Cleveland.
It’s been an interesting couple days in the NBA. Was pretty surprised to see the Bucks beat the Lakers convincingly, but Giannis’ three ball ability, and the fact that he took out LeBron puts the Freak squarely in the lead for the MVP race. Some disheartening news from Jersey last night where David Nwaba tore his achilles. As for the Cavs, check out these on-off stats for Porter Junior and Darius Garland.
In December (9 games)
Garland per-36 numbers with/without Kevin Porter Jr.KPJ on: 24.1 points, 4.2 assists, 2.1 turnovers, 60.6 TS%, 26.1% usage, 109 oRTG
KPJ off: 8.6 points, 3.9 assists, 3.4 turnovers, 37.5 TS%, 17% usage, 95.2 oRTG https://t.co/dqdvYibMxY
— Mike Zavagno (@MZavagno11) December 20, 2019
Memphis will be a fun match-up: Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., our old pal Jae Crowder, our even older pal Jonas Valanciunas, and Brandon Clarke. Clarke is averaging 16/6/1 in just 21 minutes a night while shooting 43% from three (remember when people said he couldn’t shoot) and 67% from the field. For Cleveland, let’s hope Kevin Love can take JJax to the woodshed, and that Ja Morant doesn’t take it as his mission to destroy the Cavs’ young guards. Looking forward to Clarke vs Nance off the bench. I’m betting Cavs’ experience gets the nod, and that Memphis wants to win this tank battle just a little bit less, as Cleveland gets it 111-104… Go Cavs!
So I had a bunch of family stuff going on that let me watch the game but not live post along…. Either way, it must be noted how dead on Nate’s prediction was. Each team scored 3 points more than his prediction, but calling it 111 – 104 and ending up 114 -107 is a win for Nate in my book. Though I’m sure “someone” would still like to try to come up with a reason to complain about Nate anyways….because who cares about the truth, right? Heh. Go Cavs! Go Nate! Ps. If the Cavs can beat the Hawks… Read more »
Yes, Morant was a no-brainer for the Cavs at #2. In addition to the talent & athleticism, the kid can actually play some PG.
He is a better player and a better fit.
As for Morant’s mentality and athleticism, this is the dunk of the year so far, and probably will end up being the dunk of the year considering he is 6’3″, the face to face body contact, and who it is against, a tough nosed big who isn’t afraid to fish out some punishment. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi6BlnLXBPU Telling y’all, this might have been an off game, but watch this kid. I haven’t been wowed by a rookie so consistently who has so much responsibility (engine for that offense, part of Clarke’s FG%) on his team in quite some time. He was the only… Read more »
As an addendum, unlike Garland, drafting a second pg like Morant was always a no brainer for the Cavs had they had the second pick. This guy was, as evident from midway thru last college season, inarguably the guy where the talent over fit argument had actual merit in this draft. But this guy’s stats, record, and eye test were the justification. Anything less wasn’t.
Porter doesn’t need much gather off the two foot jump. Might not have the highest very, but functionally extremely athletic.
This was an offensive foul, uncalled, but wow. Very Westbrookian. Hope he doesn’t hurt himself with these kind of plays.
As someone that gets Memphis local games, that’s what he does right now. He is fearless. But that will have to change. Can get to where he wants to go pretty much anytime. He looks for contact and is incredible at finishing thru. But it is going to take its toll. Thankfully, he has a j. Just focuses on what he is best at right now though. Getting in the paint. Finding people, and finishing thru whatever or whomever is there.
And Love is a legit 6’9″ or 6’10”, he isn’t leaping Muggsy Bogues there.
See above.