Live Thread: Cavs vs 76ers
2020-02-26The Cavaliers are coming off their biggest win of the year: an improbable 22 point comeback against the Miami Heat. The effort saw the unleashing the Larry Nance, small forward, triple post offense. I had lots more to say about it, but no time to say it. Suffice to say that he won’t be going against Duncan Robinson every night, but if you don’t think Larry can hold his own against most NBA small forwards, then you don’t know Junior.
Kevin Porter Junior’s 30 after being ejected then going 0-5 in the two games leading up to Monday was a revelation as well. Similarly, Darius Garland’s steady play in crunch time was another big and unexpected contribution. It all added up to a hell of a second half.
Tonight should be an interesting challenge as Sixers are 9-20 on the road. They’ll be without Ben Simmons who is out indefinitely with a bad back (nerve impingement). They’ll also be without Norvel Pelle. (who?) Cleveland welcomes back Alec Burks, who hit three game winners in nine games last year. So that’s fun.
Cleveland will be without Andre Drummond who has a strained calf, which is a nice way of saying he’s stunk on ice so far with the Cavs. Alfonzo McKinnie is out too while. Dante Exum had his ankle sprained badly against the Heat and will be out “indefinitely.”
Koby said, "No tank you." https://t.co/qmFCNQbu5x
— HoopsDogg (@oldseaminer) February 26, 2020
I predict no more Larry at the three, and a lot more Sexland as Koby tries to get this team back on the losing track, and the Cavs lose this one 105-113.
AGREE WITH JOHNB —T.T. WILL BE THE PRIMARY DEFENDER / WITH WEAKSIDE HELP / GD’S DROPPING DOWN ——-WILL SAY HE WILL CONTINUE HIS 25+ PTS —-GOOD TEST FOR THE “NEWLY ‘ REVIVED CAVS ——-WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE “FORGOTTEN / INVISIBLE MAN ” DRE MATCHED UP AGAINST ZION
who guards superman this evening? i am guessing zion goes for 50 minimum.. perhaps 60 or higher.. he is going to run thru the cavs like crap thru a goose..
Has hit hit 50 in a game yet?
I think if the Cavs played liked they had in the 4th Q against the Heat, then they got a shot.
TT would be my guess. Some Ante, some Love, some Nance.
Tt only option. No one else has his combination of having decent lateral quicks for a big, with enough strength, weight, and height. Nance will get pushed all over and Zizic blown by.
AMEN ON ANTE —-GOOD ONE ARCH !!
I think Zion would destroy Zizic…not that the Cavs have many good options…
EACH GAME HE / DRE IS OUT IS ANOTHER LOST OPPORTUNITY TO EVAULATE HIS ROLE / CHEMISTRY WITH THE CAVS —BELIEVE WE NEED AS MANY GAMES AS POSSIBLE TO GET A GOOD SAMPLE SIZE TO MAKE AN INTELLIGENT / CRUCIAL DECISION
Yes, but you get to watch your boy Ante!
Based on his body language and effort, my opinion is pretty set.
Well, Drummond is the one with the option, so the decision is his. But getting things clicking would help. We have 25 games left, he should be back in a game or two. I’d rather make sure he is healthy, then proceed.
Drummond out for NO game. Guess he was not just ducking Embiid.
I’d be intrigued by this lineup… put the ball in KPJ’s hands let him cook… he was a PG growing up all thru HS.
Chedi ran a lot of offense in Europe. And has done it in stints in his Cavalier time.
yeah and summer league showed he doesn’t have the handles to run point, which is why the coaches have abandoned that right or wrong.
I think you can do it in stints. he’s a very confidence driven player. This is absolutely a unit you can throw at teams at the 6 or 7 Minute Mark and ride it if it’s working
I think you can especially do this again small teams that are weak at the point of attack defensively. I would love to see it again Boston with their big screener at Center and their small point guard
obviously anything’s worth a try with this team, would disagree that you want a small PG defending Cedi, that’s who got under his skin the most at summer league… pressing him full court, making it difficult for Cedi to get across the time line and initiate.
You’d have to go full D’Antoni PHX Suns, 8 seconds or less transition offense for Cedi to thrive in that kind of role… open court where Cedi doesn’t have to deal with a defender under his chin.
I’m thinking more for the defensive potential with Larry and kpj handling.
Ah gotcha… love it! i think they’d be deadly in top of the key PnR situations because of their passing. (and passing abilities of the 5 in general)
Also, don’t think offense is Cedi’s issue… it’s his lack of physicality and rebounding on defense, which is why Larry at the 3 gives them something extra.
I’ve been saying for two years that the Cavs are playing chedi a position up. He is a big 1/2/3 not a 3/4
sure i agree… said the same thing too as others have as well.
Don’t think that lineup has enough scoring, or at least consistent scoring. Sexton has been scoring a lot of points of late…
Love can handle the load with that group…. also like how it opens up KPJ and Cedi for scoring opportunities… hell even Larry too, he’s probably been the 3rd best offensive player we have.
Love is super streaky, even on his good days…if they are featuring him and the 3 isn’t falling, they tend to go on long scoreless streaks…
Perhaps, just saying the numbers indicate he’s definitely an offensive hub for this team along with Sexton… and I’d also argue his shot attempts are wayyyyyy too low… especially from 3.
Might be fun vs Houston just for contrast.
you could definitely switch all 5 i’d think.
Idk man Cedi has been getting 30 minutes a game for 2 years. He’s pretty bad.
LOL true… but he can shoot the 3 now and pass so that’s good
Need Garland to get a lot more aggressive with finding shots if he’s going to be an effective player…. needs to be shooting 15 times a game, and 10 of those shots need to be 3s. If he’s not attacking to find a shot, then nothing’s going to open up… defenders are sitting on the pass knowing he’s not confident in his shot.
MAN JASON / THANKS —” YOU THE MAN WITH THE INFO “—MUCH APPRECIATED !!!!!
I do detest the shoot first mentality of small guards these days. Doesn’t work in the playoffs. Even Curry has had his trouble. Having a 6’3” or smaller primary scoring options in the playoffs is hopeless. Basically still saw numerous times last night where Sexland refused to make simple passes on mismatches and instead tried to drive into a wall. Garland is such an awful offensive player he should only be thinking pass first inside the three point line.
Historically, I think John B is correct with a few exceptions (Isiah/Dumars Pistons, West/Goodrich Lakers; Cousy/Sharman Celtics, pre Durant GSW).
And Sexton is still sucking, but he isn’t sucking as hard as earlier this year and last year. Ditto Garland. Babies taking baby steps.
But cousy was pass first and those Celtics teams didn’t really have primary options. They just searched for the best shot and a lot of it still ran through the post as much of the league did back then. You’re right on IT but he was still a pass first true point and it wasn’t like he was trying to put up 25 ppg. West is sort of the exception. I agree Sexton has improved. Garland is sort of stuck in terribleness. Has some flashes occasionally. Just frustrated with player mentality these days. Curry sort of ruined the game in… Read more »
Totally disagree. there’s plenty of shoot first point guards. Curry did not ruin the game. And if there’d been a three-point line in the 60s and 70s you would have seen a lot more shoot first point guards. Jerry West was a combo guard we probably would have been very similar to Curry . Tony Parker was absolutely not pass-first point guard. Kobe Bryant playEd on the ball just as much as off and was just as much as an initiator as anyone.
agree with Nate here… if anything Curry showed how unselfish play enhanced his scoring abilities.
Sure. The issue is depending on a guy like that in the first place to be the primary option, whether taking it himself or scoring via looks in a system. Worked against a weakened Cavs team 2015. Almost worked against a Cavs team that hadn’t figured out what it took to win. But GS system played a huge role before Cavs woke up and started to turn the tables.
Parker was but he did it in a disciplned system. Guys like Archibald, West, Earl the Pearl, Iverson, Francis I would say we’re generally exceptions in their eras rather than the norm. Now it is the norm. I think the effect of Curry/GS was to completely change the game into an almost entirely perimeter oriented game, both from officiating and team tactics pov. You had guys like Westbrook too but Westbrook arguably was taking way too many shots from Durant and most people realized this was a detriment. Unfortunately, I don’t think an offense focused around a small pg primary… Read more »
Also Bryant was 6’6″.
HEY JASON HOW MANY OPPONENTS IN THE LAST 19 GAMES ARE AGAINST “OTHER TANKING TEAMS ” –JUST CURIOUS ——COULD BE INTERESTING WHEN WE COMPETE AGAINST THOSE TEAMS THE ‘MYSTERIOS ” INJURIES / AILMENTS THAT WILL OCCUR
Good ?, NOMAD. Well, who else is tanking? I certainly think Port, NO, & SA are trying to make the POs. I think Sac is as well. The Suns are 4.5 back of Memphis, which is the distance the Wiz are back of Orlando. Tankers = 5. At Chi, at Cha, at ATL, at GSW, at ATL. Borderline (Suns, Wiz) = 2. Phx, at Phx. Sub .500 PO pushers = 4. SA, Sac, at Sac, at Port. Sub .500 PO teams = 3. At Orl, at Brk, Brk. PO teams = 5. At Hou, at Indy, LAL, at Utah, Mil.… Read more »
LMAO JASON ON ” DRINKING THE COOL -AID ” PO WATCH ———-INDENON—HEY I FORGOT TO MENTION —“THE INITIATION FEES TO CTB ARE A 6 PACK EACH —-BLOGGERS CHOICE DUE WITHIN THE 1ST MONTH “—WELCOME ABOARD ……..”MORE BEER PLEASE ” : – )
Last thing, we are rising a bit in the standings with winning 4 of 5 after losing 13 of 14. Immediate schedule ahead is still stiff (at NO, Indy, Bos, Utah, Denver), but after that, only 5 of our last 19 opponents are over .500.
We win 4 of the next 5, and I will drink the Cool Aid & put us on PO watch. Wins:
12: GSW
——-
17: Hawks, Cavs, Knicks, Wolves
———-
19: Pistons
20: Bulls, Hornets
21: Wiz
Also, I have to say as the low man on Sexton around here, he hasbeen getting better lately.
KPJ is too inconsistent to start. I would NOT break up Sexland, unless one of them us dinged up a needs a night off. Or KPJ gets more consistently productive. Cannot believe I am typing that.
Sexton’s jumper has been nails lately. I posted in the game thread that whenever he takes a jumper nowadays I just expect it to go in. Even threes lately. If he were a good defender he’d be a pretty valuable player. I still think he can elevate his game, too.
YEP WELCOME TO THE ‘CTB BROTHERHOOD “–LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER MEMBER AND YOUR OPINIONS / IDEAS : – )
Welp, since the PD closed the comments section, I guess I’m looking for a new home.
Welcome Indenon!
Thanks very much!
I 2nd that Emotion.
Wilkommen!
hey Indenon! jump in water’s wet LOL
JASON JUST LIVIN THE DREAM / MOMENT —FULLY UNDERSTAND BOTH TEAMS WERE NOT AT FULL STRENGTH —BUT HEY LET’S GET EXCITED ABOUT ANY” W’——–AS FAR AS DRE IS CONCERNED —YES AN ENGAGED / ENERGIZED / POSITIVE ATTITUDE / ETC DRE WOULD BE WELCOMED ON THIS TEAM/ COULD BE EXCITING –MY CONCERN IS WE SIGN TO A LONG TERM / HUGE CONTRACT AND THEN TURNS ” TURDFACE ON US ” SOMEWHAT SIMILAR TO KLOVE
Don’t think that is likely. Dre will either opt in (more likely) or out of his player option after this year. We won’t be stuck with a long term lemon. Plus, he seemed to give decent effort in Detroit and they stunk a lot.
This is enjoyable:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9DcSsOgnM2/
LMFAOOOOo
I remember watching one of these types of videos, with LeBron and IT back when we were contending.
Enjoyed the win. But NOMAD is getting a bit too hyped on the win(s). Miami is poor on the road (13-18) and was missing their best player (Butler) + Herro. Philly is terrible on the road (1 more win than we have), was missing Simmons, and Embiid got hurt & didn’t play the laat 3 quarters.
I am nowhere near close to wanting Drummond gone. We have won 3 of 4 with JB at the helm, and 4 of the last 5 overall. Love looks engaged lately. If Dre joins him, we may really have something.
YOU ARE SO CORRECT CLF—THANKS FOR KEEPING THE “OL MAN ” EDUCATED —–DIFFICULT TASK TO DO AT TIMES : -)
LOL got your back NOMAD!
Man JBs comments just spot on and insightful
” FREE ANTE ” 6/7 FROM THE FIELD THE LAST 2 APPEARANCES –“MONEY IN THE PAINT “—WOULD RATHER THEY PAY ANTE NEXT YEAR MORE SO THAN SIGNING DRE —UNLESS THEY DO A SIGN AND TARDE AND GET SOMETHING OF VALUE IN RETURN FOR DRE
they have no choice on Dre, he has a player option.
LMAO BUCKAROO !!!!!!!!!
corby.. pick up that piece of soap
BEILEIN’S ” ADVANCED ” SCOUTING WERE THE KEYS FOR THE LAST 2 WINS : – )
Fantastic.
” MORE BEER PLEASE “…….YEP WE DID GET ‘FLEECED ” BY THE PISTONS —-SPEND THE MONEY ELSWHERE KOLBY ——LNJ / T.T. HUGE GAMES —-A ” DELLY / ANTE ‘ SIGHTING (S) / ALWAYS GOOD FOR THE EYES ——-” LIVING THE DREAM –IN THE LAND ” —ENJOY THE MOMENT !!!!
nah.. NOMAD bro.. that was no fleecing.. just a prison-shower special
https://twitter.com/kcwelch330/status/1232851202729136128?s=20
Nice to catch a whole game for once, especially with you all. Ciao.
Have a good day, Simmo!
great way to start the day, cheers!
sexton haters need to get a grip.. dude can play.. and i assume get better on the less-fun aspects of the game
back-to-back wins against MIA and PHI is pretty impressive.. if vets decide to put in some effort.. may a big turn is possible
Any Beilein sightings?
Love pads his stats!
So variance or JB?
JB putting guys on notice about defense IMO
Beilein never was smart enough to play Nance at 3, or FO wouldn’t let him.
I think the Cavs needed some wins to build love’s value back and they’re deep enough down that they’re probably keeping their pick.
A little of both. Philly without Simmons and Embiid isn’t great, either. But good win.
Sweet feed Sexton
embiid get hirt?
Yup, shoulder injured in collision with Ante
cool.. go ante
He was only on for six minutes, but made his presence felt!
Think Larry just hurt his hand
uh oh.. sexton haters are in trouble tonight..
SEXTON DAGGER!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOO
WOOOOOOOOO LOVE DEEP IN THE HOUSE!
L3ve!!! S3xton!!!
Nice.
Goodnight Philly!
Knees certainly buckling
wow.. did i travel thru a wormhole?
FANTASTIC TEAM DEFENSE!!!
I really love LNJr at the 3!!
Huh. Someone on this blog called for that in Nov.
Love gotta hit that.