Recaps: Celtics 129, Cavs 117 & Cavs 94, Wolves 88 (or, Two For the Road)

Recaps: Celtics 129, Cavs 117 & Cavs 94, Wolves 88 (or, Two For the Road)

2019-12-29 Off By EvilGenius

This subtitle has little to do with Stanley Donen’s 1967 classic non-linear road movie starring Albert Finney and Audrey Hepburn, but everything to do with the demands the holiday season has on our schedules here at C:tB… which makes it particularly challenging to crank out recaps on back-to-backs.

The Cavaliers had two very different experiences on the road in a very short span, losing a fun and high-scoring tilt in Boston Friday night before surviving a gritty brick-fest in Minnesota on Saturday. The biggest difference was the amount of Love (Kevin that is) involved in each journey… which, I suppose, actually does vaguely echo the themes of Two For The Road after all.

In any event… here are Nate’s impressions from Friday’s loss to the Celtics…

Boston 129, Cleveland 117

Cleveland Came into Boston and hung with the Celtics early, feeding Kevin Love for eight first quarter points while Collin Sexton blurred to the bucket and into his floater for nine. When the bench units checked in with about five to play in the period, Cleveland couldn’t seem to mount an offense without Jordan Clarkson or Love. The Cavs scored just three points in the quarter’s final five minutes while Boston went on a 15-3 run and held them without a field goal for almost seven game minutes that lasted into the Second Quarter.

Darius Garland was a disaster in that stretch, and generally throughout the game as he finished 1-7 with zero assists and four turnovers and a game low -21. With no one to focus the defense, Boston feasted on Cleveland missed shots and turnovers.

It doesn’t help that he was paired with Larry Nance, Jr., John Henson, Kevin Porter, Jr., and Dante Exum: a rookie, two guys who don’t want to shoot, and a new guy. Nance and Henson HAVE to start looking for their own shot more off the bench, and indeed, as many a Twitterer and commenter has noted, having much of the Cavs’ offense running with Nance 24 feet from the basket seems like a failure by design. Nance, particularly, has to be more aggressive. He’s never looking to score when he posts up, and teams are keying on the fact that he’d rather pass.

Jaylen Brown was hot early with 12 first quarter points while Jason Tatum had nine. Boston rode a red hot Tatum (24 point half) to a 22 point lead in the mid second before a John Beilein rage timeout. You’d have thought this one was over, and indeed Boston did as Kemba Walker bricked a couple triples and Cleveland ran off a quick 7-0 run. That run got Kevin Love going and he went supernova to score 13 with three triples in the final 5:30 of the half off feeds from Matthew Dellavedova and Cedi Osman.

Unfortunately, Sexton had seen enough and ignored Love in the last two minutes to feed a dime to Tristan Thompson, brick a floater, and commit a turnover while a Kemba stepback put Boston up 62-47 at the end of 24.

Love, inexcusably, didn’t get another shot until four minutes into the third quarter, while TT and Sexton threw up garbage. Young Bull got his shot blocked five times against Boston (and thrice against Minnesota) to extend his NBA lead to a whopping 59. It’s amazing he went 9-20, especially since he can’t shoot threes any more.

Cleveland was grinding until an 11-4 Boston run fueled by a pair of Thompson turnovers put Boston up 22 as Enes Kanter, Brown, and Tatum repeatedly scored at the rack. But the Cavs responded by actually passing to Kevin Love who kept putting the ball in the bucket. Delly, who’d go on to sling six dimes in the game, added a rare Delly trey as the Cavs tried to grind their way back into a game that Boston wanted coast through.

KPJ came in with LNJ, and fortunately, John Beilein left Kevin Love in with the Bench units to actually give them some offense. KPJ used his gravity to exploit one-on-one coverage to get himself to the line for four freebies and fed Kev for an even rarer dunk on a cut to close the quarter with the Cavs down just 92-81.

You’ll be happy to know President Stevens has figured out how to use the NBA challenge rule, while 32 games in, Boomer Beilein is still befuddled. KPJ should’ve had two more free throws, but in the biggest play of the game, the refs used a Stevens challenge to overturn an on-the-court judgment call. The officials reversed a block against Daniel Theis and called Porter for a charge. It was garbage. It would’ve given Boston’s starting center five fouls, and would’ve helped the Cavs’ momentum immensely.

Exum actually cut the lead to eight with a triple to open the fourth and the Wine and Gold hung with the Green till about the eight minute mark as KPJ and Exum led the offense, but a terrible looking Garland floater and a missed TT put-back sandwiched between two Brown triples put the lead out of reach at 18. Brown collected his own miss after Sexton tried to catch a rebound on the fly and then Jaylen thumped it to put an exclamation point on his 34 point career high. An and-1 by Brad Wannamaker, a Kanter layup, and a second Brown punctuator put the Celtics up 23 with five to play before the zoo crew came in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7KhaD2Q2FI

Garbage time was fun as KPJ showed why he should be starting over Sexton. Junior finished with 13 and fed Ante Zizic against a centerless Boston bench mob for six points in the last 90 seconds. Your move, Collin.

It was a shame Cleveland couldn’t get the ball to Love more. Kev finished with 30/7/4 and zero turnovers on just 10-16 shots and was scintillating (putting on a show for Beantown?) but only when Delly is on the court do the Cavs’ guards actually execute a game plan. Still, Sexton did add 21 on 20 shots while KPJ poured in 16/3/4. Boston went 15-40 from deep with Tatum adding 30, and added 12 offensive rebounds (six for Kanter). Cleveland somehow managed only 11 turnovers, a shockingly low number of late.

https://youtu.be/84OoBpWezAs

It was the bench bunch that killed it for Boston. Wannamaker out-physicalled the Cavs’ youngins for +20 in his time on the court, while Kanter added 14/9/3 and only Exum and KPJ added much punch for Cleveland. After five games already this season (two in preseason) Cleveland has to play Boston yet again in March. Can’t wait for that.

Cleveland 94, Minnesota 88

Do you remember what happened on November 29, 1997? I had to look it up, but the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Boston Celtics 103-97. So, why is that important or relevant at all to a game more than 22 years later? Well, because that was the day the Cavs set the franchise record for most team turnovers in a game with 29… the record that this incarnation of the team tied against the Timberwolves tonight.

Apparently though, mass quantities of ball mishandling and misappropriation don’t always impact the final outcome of games for the Cavs. Just like in 1997, their inability to take care of the rock did not lead to a loss. Back then, it was Shawn Kemp’s 10 turnovers that led the way, inflating the normal levels. This time, it was a true team effort, with rookies Darius Garland (five) and Kevin Porter, Jr. (four) understandably contributing.

You might have had the sense that this would be a rock-fight from the start, as three of the marquee stars sat out with injury or illness. Kevin Love, who as Nate mentioned went supernova for 30 on just 16 shots, demurred from suiting up to face his former team to nurse a hip contusion, and both Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) and Andrew Wiggins (flu-like symptoms) were MIA for MIN. That left a bunch of scrappy dudes who can’t shoot for the Wolves to defend a bunch of careless youngsters who can’t defend for the Cavs. The result was nearly as hard on the eyes as the day-glo lime green unis Minny was sporting.

Frankly, though I watched this game and had a fun time live threading with the rest of the Commentariat here, I still have no idea how the Cavs pulled this one out. It’s hard enough to travel nearly 1,400 miles for the second night of a back-to-back, and do it without your primary star scorer/rebounder… but to also overcome 29 self inflicted errors as well as one of the worst officiating efforts outside of a Tony Brothers reffed playoff game is pretty impressive.

Things started well enough, as the Cavs were aggressive offensively, taking advantage of the hole in the middle of the Minnesota defense left by an absence of KAT. They jumped out to a 22-10 lead with just under five minutes remaining in the quarter with balanced scoring and a minimum of turnovers (just two Garland gimmes at that point), punctuated by this Delly to TT alley oop…

Then the hemorrhaging started in earnest (four more turns in the next four minutes), as Noah Vonleh and Keita Bates-Diop set up shop underneath. Still, the Cavs held a 27-21 advantage after one.

There were three good things that happened in the second quarter:

Dante Exum showed he’s got a decent burst and is fairly crafty…

John Henson and KPJ stayed aggressive…

And the Cavs somehow managed to deadlock the Wolves at 22 points a piece as they maintained their six point lead. I say somehow because they had another 10 turnovers in the quarter, as the T-Wolves who were likely annoyed that a paltry few of their three point attempts were falling, ratcheted up the physicality. Meanwhile, the officials began swallowing their whistles like post-holiday alka seltzers. Cavs led 49-42 at the half.

Aside from an early Cedi Osman triple, ice cold perimeter shooting and the ongoing turnover bug nearly cost the Cavs dearly in the third. They scored just five points in the first six minutes, allowing the Wolves to tie things up behind threes from Robert Covington and Jarrett Culver. The wine & gold bricked away at a 1-10 clip from distance in the quarter, while giving the ball away seven more times. But, Garland clicked his ruby slippers together and returned with 2:30 left to sink a couple of floaters to build the lead back to seven, 67-60.

The Garland heroics continued into the beginning of the final frame, as the rookie got assistance from fellow rook Porter, Jr., and also found Henson with this brilliant dime…

Unfortunately, he also found himself in foul trouble after a failed Coaches Challenge replay on a call where Shabazz Napier ran into Garland, picking up his fourth. Then, the fifth came a few seconds later as Napier appeared to flop on a Garland move to the hoop for an offensive foul call. This questionable turnover not only sent Garland to the bench for Collin Sexton, but also triggered one last jag of turnovers (six in a three minute stretch). A long three by Covington and a barely contested jumper from Napier gave Minny their first lead (78-77) since the first minute of the game. It was a one point dogfight from there, until Garland returned with just over three minutes remaining.

All the #5 overall pick did from there was knock down two clutch shots in 40 seconds, including this rainbow off an inbounds…

…which should have provided the requisite nails in the Wolves’ coffin. But, it wouldn’t be a Cavs game without an insane and mind-numbing near comeback by the opposing team. They missed three free throws AND gave up an and-one to Jeff Teague on the other end. Fortunately, Teague missed his freebie and TT calmly drained two of his own to provide some breathing room… that is, until Kelan Martin knocked down a thoroughly uncontested triple to trim the lead to three with 16.5 seconds remaining.

Though the Cavs were able to salt the game away from there, it had me wondering aloud on the thread if someone on the team was doing some point shaving these last few games. But, Nate was quick to point out that these kids aren’t old enough to shave…

Especially this baby-faced killer…

The Evil

Just having to watch this game was pretty evil. From the record tying 29 turnovers, to the alarmingly delinquent and insufficient officiating, to the excruciating combined 12-57 from distance these teams shot… it’s one that neither side should remember for posterity.

Collin Sexton had 18 points, but it took him 17 shots to get there. It was a rough night to say the least for the Young Bull, who hit just five of those attempts, and had just one assist to offset six turnovers.

Cedi and LNJ also had difficult shooting nights, and were never seemingly able to get into the flow of the offense. Though both had decent efforts defensively.

John Beilein used his Coaches Challenge one foul and about 10 seconds too early. Obviously, if he knew the future, he wouldn’t be a 66 year old rookie head coach in the NBA, and would instead be a retired billionaire. But for now, as much as I hate to say it, he could learn a lot from… this guy…

Also, did I mention the day-glo lime green unis? My retinas haven’t recovered…

The Genius

The good news that came out of this game, in my humble opinion, is that Darius Garland made a real and immediate impact. He had a very nice bounce-back performance after the miserable shooting night against the Celtics on Friday, and went 8-11 from the field with two huge threes. Though he had five turnovers, two of them were questionable calls, and he did dish three dimes and swipe two steals. His absence following his fifth foul was a big reason the Wolves climbed back into the game… and his presence after returning with three minutes to go was a big reason the Cavs pulled this game out. Great to see him and his confidence growing.

If the second unit could shoot… they’d be dangerous. As it was, KPJ, Henson, and the two Aussies, Delly and Exie had some solid moments anyway. The four Porter turnovers weren’t great, but overall the bench has flashed some real potential. It will take a while to figure out how to replace the missing Jordan Clarkson scoring, but Coach B seems to be skewing Sexton’s minutes more towards helping with that.

It was an ugly win… but it was a win. And it was the fourth win in five games, which isn’t anything to sneeze at… unless you have the flu.

Parting Shot

Just one more game remains this year… and actually this decade. That’s weird to think about. I mean, sure, we’re probably still years away from another Cavs team being ready for contention, but just stop for a minute and contemplate the events of the 20-teens. A decade that began with “The Decision” yet contained a homecoming, four straight Finals appearances, and the almost unimaginable NBA Championship, is now one that ends with an embryonic product on the floor. Maybe it’s the Two For The Road theme that’s got me nostalgic in looking back on the wild ride of my own relationship with this franchise… but, I’m excited to see what the next ten years brings.

Then again… 2020 does infer a certain level of hindsight…

Until next time party people… GO CAVS!

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Tom Pestak

awesome Recap, EG. Lol just watching the game was Evil.

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CLF

Great stuff EG! Rollercoaster decade for sure! Really good to see Garland bounce back from his Celtics performance. I think Beilein needs to try Porter in the starting lineup. Sexton’s just taking too many shots away from KLove and Cedi in that first unit. Porter and Garland might be awful with turnovers, but i think that Porter’s proven to be a better passer, more efficient scorer, and defender than Sexton at this point of the season. Also, Porter and Garland’s built in chemistry might actually help the turnover situation, as well as improve their offensive efficiency because they’d be slightly… Read more »

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John B

Other than ego, the last hurdle to making Sexton 6th man is gone now that Clarkson has been traded. It seems clear from a tactical standpoint that they need to at least try it. I think it is probably crystal clear to the coaching staff as well. Question is, will it happen? I have my doubts. I have a feeling there are some things being dictated by the FO. Garland is the other option as has been bandied about here. But it seems clear that he simply functions better than Sexton with Love and Cedi. Doesnโ€™t need the ball as… Read more »

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JudeElysium

I heartily agree with you both. The offensive hole left by JC in the second unity seems to be shaped like a 6’2″ young bull that likes to score more than anything else. Meanwhile in the starting lineup Porter shores up some defense and size problems they’ve been having while being a much more willing and creative passer. Without Sexton hogging possessions Cedi’s pass first tendencies are less likely to completely leave him out of the offense and pretty much the entire team is capable of getting the ball to Love AND actually willing to do so. I think this… Read more »

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CLF

JB and Ryan: yup, i think Garland’s passing, defense, and 3-ball gives him the nod over Sexton as the starting PG… if you have Garland, Porter, and Cedi as the perimeter players, that’s putting 3 of the team’s best (excluding regulars Delly and Henson) passers on the floor. I don’t think FO is dictating anything, KPJ was absolutely awful on both ends of the court in the first month or two of the season… but he’s improved dramatically lately, which begs the question now that we’ve seen Porter’s drastic improvements coincide with Sexton’s 3-ball disappearance, his defense continuing to be… Read more »

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John B

Great recap. Havenโ€™t been able to watch with the holidays and all. Sounds like some fun moments in both games though. Btw the cavs are 5 and 5 in their last 10.

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NOMAD

“BYE / BYE FREDDIE –WE ARE GLAD TO SEE YOU GO ” !!!!!!!!

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John B

NFL should just contract that team. Rip the bandaid off. Would force Cleveland to become a true blue baseball and bball town and force fans to pay attention to franchises that have actually had success and therefore actually deserve the lionโ€™s share of the attention. Would be nice to sell out the Jake again for a few seasons in a row. Might actually provide the tribe the extra money they need to compete with the bloated salaries of the NYs, Bostons, Houstons, etc.

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Jason Wilder

On the bright side, if no trade downs were available, I would have taken Culver over Garland. I think I am glad Altman took Garland.

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John B

Garland has a higher upside. I am more convinced of that than ever. Dunno if he will be the better player in the end.

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CLF

Garland’s clearly the better shooter and i think a slightly better passer. Culver’s clearly the better defender. I have higher hopes for Garland’s offensive improvement than I do Culver’s… question is how much and does it tip the scales.

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John B

Pretty much. Garland is going to have to be a dynamic team impact offensive player to offset his d. Heck. Young is about as dynamic as they come, and I donโ€™t know if heโ€™ll ever be a huge plus just because of his d. But I think Garland has a chance to be special on o.

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CLF

Yup, agree with you.

RPM says Garland’s a far superior defender to Young, which is encouraging… there’s probably other advanced stats that say that as well, I’ve just done no research into Young. I believe it’s reasonable to think that Garland will become a neutral defender by the time he enters his prime.

Agree with what you said, I think what will determine whether Garland’s a “huge plus” player is whether he becomes special on offense. He’s far behind Trae on that score, especially with his passing/general decision-making on offense. BUT, the flashes of passing/decision making are there!

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Jason Wilder

Just for fun, in honor of 29, assists to TOs for Cavs rotation players:

Starters: Love (79/73: 1.08), Garland (93/83: 1.12), Sexton (76/66: 1.15), TT (71/57: 1.25), Cedi (69/45: 1.57).

Reserves: Exum (1/3: 0.33), KPJ (61/54: 1.13), LNJ (43/28: 1.54), Henson (19/11: 1.73), Delly (79/24: 3.29).

Clarkson: (70/39: 1.79).

One guy above 2. Only three more above 1.5.

For reference, a good team (Toronto), has 4 guys above 2 (Gasol, Van Vleet, Lowry, Davis).

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JudeElysium

Great stat to see all together at a glance. It also confirms some of my eye test opinions that I hadn’t bothered to stat check.

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Jason Wilder

Well, for a bit there I thought we were starting to see some separartion between the bottom six (ATL, GSW, NY, NO, Cle, Wash) and the rest of the league. However, the Cavs & Dubs have won 4/5, the Pels 3 in a row, and the Knicks 2. Meanwhile, Minny has lost 12 of 13 and Phoenix 8 of 10. Wins: 6: Hawks ——— 9: GSW, NY, WASH 10: Pels, Cavs 11: Minny 12: Pistons, Grizz, Kings, Suns 13: Cha, Chi, SA ———– Cavs are now closer to a PO spot than the bottom. Though I think losing Clarkson will… Read more »

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NOMAD

THANK YOU EVIL ——DIDN’T WATCH AT ALL LAST NIGHT —-WATCHED BUCKEYES : ( —–HOW INTHE HELL DO YOU WIN A GAME WITH 29 T.O.’S —–WILL TAKE THE ‘W’ BUT MAN HAVE GOT TO GET BETTER TAKING CARE OF THE BALL ———MOVE SEXTON TO 6TH MAN—-EXXUM OR DELLY STARTING

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