Recap: Cavs 109, Nets 123 (Built Like a Tank)
2021-05-17Last night the Cleveland Cavaliers wrapped up their 2020-21 season with a loss to the Brooklyn Nets, 123-109. The biggest news from the game was Collin Sexton getting ejected in the third quarter for a forearm shiver to Kevin Durant’s face. The gulf between the offenses was the story of the game on the court, with the Cavs’ defense unable to present a challenge to the well-oiled machine of the Nets’ offense. It should be said that the Cavs’ bench performed quite admirably in their minutes, while the starters didn’t appear to have the requisite competitive spirit to take on such a Herculean task. Let’s dive into last night’s takeaways one more time for the season…
Game Balls: Brodric Thomas and Mfiondu Kabengele
Thomas and Kabengele are two guys that weren’t even on the roster at the beginning of the year, but last night they showed why they’re getting a look from the Cavs, with Thomas bringing some offensive juice (14 points on 58.5% TS) and Kabengele bringing the heat on defense and the boards (three blocks and 10 rebounds). Thomas also showed some great hands on the defensive end as well, with three steals. It’s hard not to root for guys such as Thomas and Kabengele, who compete every time they’re on the court. They both appear to have NBA skills, the question is whether they will be able to find some consistency on the offensive end, especially with their jump shots. But at the end of the day, these are the type of guys you’d want at the end of your bench: young, hungry, athletic, competitive, with some skill.
Bringing the energy on both ends!@Mfiondu | #BeTheFight pic.twitter.com/AnpnNzioO9
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 16, 2021
Honorable Mentions: Damyean Dotson, Dean Wade, Jarrett Allen
Dot was ridiculously hot especially in the first half, with 17 points on elite efficiency (94.4% TS) and threw in three assists as well. It was nice to see him end the season on a high note. “James” Dean Wade also had a solid night scoring and rebounding with a team high 18 points (64.3% TS) and eight rebounds. He threw in three assists and a steal as well. He was tasked with guarding KD for much of the game, and while he made KD take tough shots, KD gets paid handsomely to make tough shots. But kudos to Wade for competing on the defensive end. Allen gets a shoutout for ending his season averaging a double double (12.9 points, 10 rebounds) for the first time in his career. Well done young man!
Notes on the Nets
The stars showed out for the Nets, with KD and former Cavalier and NBA Champion Kyrie Irving putting on MVP-worthy performances above and beyond their normal dazzling display of basketball. KD ended the night with 23 points on 91.0% TS, 13 assists, and a +29 plus/minus in 29 minutes on the court. Kyrie was a monster both offensively and defensively, with 17 points, six rebounds, and six stocks in only 29 minutes. The Nets are primed and ready for the playoffs, and they ought to be the prohibitive favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. In a clip that demonstrates their team chemistry, just check out this play of the year from last night’s game:
"ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR!"@BrooklynNets things. 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/tdDRDkjrcB
— NBA (@NBA) May 17, 2021
Thank you CtB
The last thing I want to say is thank you to Nate (and the whole CtB leadership) for the opportunity to write for CtB. It is an honor and pleasure to have a creative outlet and talk about one of my favorite joys in life, the game of basketball. Also I want to shoutout the faithful readers and commenters of CtB… you all are the reason I get excited to do what I do. It’s been a tough year for so many, but the community here at CtB brings people closer together, and the relationships built here are the things that make life worth living. With all that said, let’s look forward to some draft lottery luck and enjoy the offseason CtB, you’ve earned it!!!
In remembrance of CtB contributor Ryan Yankee
In honor of CtB contributor, Ryan Yankee, who we tragically lost in March, we're raising money for Cleveland Rocks Past Present and Future, a Cleveland charity benefitting displaced local musicians. Please consider donating. https://t.co/QaLMrBRHFX
— HoopsDogg (@oldseaminer) May 15, 2021
Come what may, with that kind of game coming as a result of the play-in mechanism – the play-in is here to stay. No one getting fired….
Yup, worked exactly as planned…. they said the ratings were already huge for the crappy Eastern Conference games, these two games were fantastic.
Are these guys trawling CtB for talking points??
https://youtu.be/fWjttBuQjYk?t=380
If the Warriors had Klay, they’d be a legit threat to win the title. Again. Really missing one more offensive threat, and Wiggins ain’t it.
as so many have said, should’ve draft Ball, or should’ve traded Wiseman before the league figured out he was massive bust.
They should have drafted Ball for sure. Imagine them with a legit good rookie. Tried to out think the league again. I don’t think Wiseman will ever be anything too special, even if he’s not a bust.
Yeah, I mean you can see that Wiseman has some tools, but Lamelo was literally what they needed, another perimeter playmaker besides Steph.
Maybe. But hindsight is 20/20 and all that. Ball could have been a bust too, as many predicted. Warriors made a solid pick at the time. Wiseman could still be a good long-term pick. Even with Ball , there’s no way Warriors make it out of the west.
It really wasn’t a solid pick with Halliburton sitting right there even if they were scared off by Ball. The decision showed IMO that Bob Myers had no clue what his team actually needed (perimeter playmaking beside Steph). It also shows they value their own player far too much (Wiseman) to punt on a historical Steph year.
Wiseman won’t ever be good quickly enough to matter. Steph will be will be 36 or 37 at least before Wiseman becomes a net neutral player by all probability.
So the Lakers win on Lebron’s prayer. Great game, but that was stupid.
LMFAOOOOOOOOOO at least GSW the +6 i bet on them
4 pt play coming up
woaaahhhhh James
PURE INSANITY
This game is the NBA’s wet dream. It’s crazy. Oh, and Mathews just was rewarded with a flop.
can’t believe they called THAT a moving screen… can’t believe I’m defending Draymond LMFAOOOO
Utter BS call.
The one thing that has always bothered about LBJ – he’s a soccer player when it comes to acting hurt.
Yep.
Thank god that was just a common foul. It was just a foul.
ABSOLUTELY twitching on the ground like a fool LMFAOOOOO
you talking about the most hard fouled/no call player in NBA history?
He has gotten away with loads of offensive fouls, too
The only negative thing you can really say about Curry is he has always been loose with the ball…flashy playmaker for sure, but he would probably be better if he was a little more vanilla.
Curry is a witch…
This game is ridiculous…
LETS GO WARRIORS!!!!!!!!!!
Feels like game 7 of the Finals…
play in game is a free game 7 LMFAOOOOOOOOO
Curry needs to carry them, come what may…
this is a good game!!!! Warriors withstood the 3rd quarter push, Steph gonna do it!
And yet James’s passing and paint game is warming up…
Kerr is not a good coach, sitting on his hands with Steph on the bench in a must win game.
Wiggins has been okay tonight, but I still trust him as much as a Drummond post up…
wiggins is a chronic under-performing check casher..
Hell of a game…
brow with 5 pts near end of 3 quarters !!!! funny and sad at same time
Big shot from Matthews to keep them in touch
Uncle Buck is making the call.. bron & brow are going home tonight (done for the season).. curry moving on..
Lakers may not win but I feel like they are far from done, will get better with more games, LBJ in particular.
Lakers D lifting in the knick of time.
Truly loving Drummond’s minutes with the Lakers…
LMFAOOOOOOOOOO that’s right!!! Best Laker in uniform tonight!
i do, however, hope bron gets his 6 championships..
poole taken at #28.. we take toothpick.. GS is smart.. CLE is dumb.. i like smart.. i hate stupid.. i don;t watch must pro sports, but i admire smarts, talent and a work ethic.. GS, like the Steelers, is a great organization.. a great culture.. Cav-nots are a disaster.. sad
It’s hilarious that EVERYBODY knew that was coming, but they were powerless to stop it.
Seriously…..Curry incredible.
Wow, Curry buzzer beater at the half…tough, tough shot…
CURRY LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Poole is everywhere, kid can play….
GSW’s defense >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
WOW!!!!!
Yeah, they struck gold there…
i will not be unhappy if curry lights up bron and brow,,
First time in my life I’m rooting for Steph and GSW LMFAOOOOOOO
Same…
Nothing brings together fans like hating the Lakers!!!
kluber throws no-hitter for yankees
on only 101 pitches????!!!! DAMN!
Really nice start for Warriors. I expect this to be a really good game.
Settling in to watch now, how’s LBJ’s ankle looking?
He looks awful LMFAOOOO
Warrior’s D looks for real. Especially Bray, hate to say it. Lebron hasn’t looked great.
Ridiculous and 1 from Curry…
that was insane finish LMFAOOOO he wasn’t playing all that well either to start the game, that might get him going.
he’s seeing double/triple teams constantly LMFAOOO
It’d be hilarious if Wiggins has like 40 tonight…starting out well…
honestly good for him for improving this year… still not worth the contract but you can tell he’s improved.
bron or curry ?
More like Wiggins to start this game!!! LMFAOOOO
but FTR, i took GSW at +6 tonight and feeling pretty good to start about it LMFAOOOOOO
Valanciunas had the best game I’ve ever seen him play tonight. He was a rock.
Absolutely baller game tonight….. and their defense clamped down on SAS!!!
THEY HAVE TO GET ” VALUE ” IN RETURN —-DON’T HAVE FAITH IN KOBY IN BEING ABLE TO ACHIEVE THAT —–REALLY NEED TO THINK THEY HAVE TO DISCUSS WITH SEXTON // AGENT HIS ROLE GOING FIRWARD WILL BE AS THE “6TH ” MAN AND HE WILL STILL GET PAID ACCORDING TO HIS PERFORMANCE IN THIS ROLE —–ALTHOUGH I MAY NOT LIKE HIS OVERALL GAME I TRULY LIKE THE KID —-WORK ETHIC // DURABALITY // ATTITUDE —DON’T WANT TO JUST “GIVE HIM AWAY—GET FLEECED “
‘May consider’ carrying a lot of weight there. If they take Cade or Suggs in the draft, they should absolutely consider it. Not sure what they’d get in a trade…a protected first and some player not as good? So much depends on this lottery…
Yeah, I think the only path to extracting value for him is combining him with a current/future pick… either to move up or double dip into this class.
The ideal situation would be to keep him and use him as he should be used, as a 6th man point guard… but the Cavs have painted themselves into a corner by needlessly catering to him over the past 3 years so that he has the expectation of getting paid and starting.
Playing time should always be earned. Cavs, JB, and Koby don’t get that.
My options would be:
1) Trade
2) Decline option
3) Lowball extension (bench scorer pay)
I’d go 3, 1, 2 if those were my options.
AGRE WITH BOTH OF YOU ( MIKE O // CHRIS ) —ALLENS BEST YEARS ARE AHEAD OF HIM —-IS VERY INTELLIGENT// GREAT ATTITUDE // TEAM PLAYER —-NEED THE RIGHT COACH TO RUN PLAYS FOR HIM —-THINK –( ALTHOUGH I BELIEVE HE IS ALREADY A MOTIVATED PERSON ) — BUT WILL HEIGHTEN HIS MOTIVATION TO IMPROVE HIS GAME // GET STRONGER ——-AND ALSO AGREE —- BELIEVE KOBY IS ON HIS WAY OUT OR AT LEAST POSSIBLY DEMOTED —CAN’T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME HE HAS PUBLICLY SPOKEN ABOUT THE CAVS
It’s a lot, but if it’s five years, I’m fine with it…if four years…it’s a lot. Cavs kind of committed the money when they acquired him.
yup… agreed with all points.
On the pro-side, it covers the early to peak prime of his career, he’s an unselfish player that really helps DG in the two man. There should be the expectation that he’s going to improve, and also if the CBA gets renegotiated, that deal could look really good in a year or two.
I’m really hoping the tail off to his year this year was simply because of the brutal schedule.
Is Koby Altman going to speak to the Cavs beat reporters / digital scrum at some point in the next couple of weeks? It appears that he has given one interview so far this month — to a Middlebury University journalism student published on May 6, which includes a few thoughts about the pandemic but nothing particularly substantive about the organization he is nominally running. If I were Jason Lloyd (and thankfully I am not) I might almost feel trolled. https://middleburycampus.com/55240/sports/qa-with-koby-altman-04-general-manager-of-the-cleveland-cavaliers/
I think he’s done and that’s why he’s not talking. I’ve seen more criticism about him from media outlets the past few months than I’ve ever seen.
I 100% do not trust him to make the right pick in the draft outside of Cade.
Agreed. JB may be on thin ice as well. They screwed the pooch on KPJ. Love still pouts. And taking Sexton over MPJ was dumb. Windler has given us nothing in two years.
Garland & Okoro look good though. At least I can see a winning player there.
Not a believer in Sexton. He is what he is. Which ain’t chopped liver, but is not a franchise player.
I hope so… done with JB and never thought he should’ve been hired in the first place, much less extended for 5 freaking years. Sam Amico reported there were veterans on the team who were pissed about how Koby handled the KPJ situation, the only veterans at the time that mattered were Love, Nance, and Drummond. I also think, granted just based on coincidence, that Beilein’s expertise landed us Garland and KPJ…. Sexton was the wrong pick and it was obvious at the time SGA>Sexton (taking a risk on MPJ was also the correct move for a dead end franchise).… Read more »
Celtics getting a really good game from Tatum, and Bullets not getting great games from RWB or Beal, so far, anyway. That’s the main difference.
Tatum >>>>>>>>
Wow
17/17 free throws is pretty ridiculous.
And many of his fields goals looked unstoppable. Wow indeed.
Wiz probably glad they have Ish Smith tonight…
and RoLo LMFAOOOO
Scott Foster in this crew…should be great.
This game is brutal.
hoping the next game is better LMFAOOOO
Couldn’t have been more wrong about this one. Pacers looked like they wanted it more than the Hornets from the opening tip.
I dont think the hornets are winning this
Charlotte’s absolutely shell shocked.
Philly fan in group chat RN LMFAOOOOOO
Pacers starting red hot. Still think the Hornets will win, but Pacers playing with spirit so far.
just tuned in haven’t watched…. thinking about betting some pocket change on Boston tonight.
looking good Love!
SOMEBODY POSTED THAT DUE TO ALL HIS INJURIES THEY ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT LNJ –( ME TOO ) BUT ALSO IN THE SAME BOAT —HAVE ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT DYLAN WINDLER—-WHAT’S EVERYONE ‘S OPINION OF HIS FUTURE WITH THE CAVS —-I LIKE HIS B.B. I.Q.// COURT SENSE// HE HAD THAT STRETCH WHERE HE GOT EVERYONE EXCITED ABOUT WHY WE DRAFTED HIM–( 3 PT SHOOTING ) –BUT HE IS “GLASS” AND APPEARS NOT ATHLETIC// PHYSICAL ENOUGH FOR THE NBA —-BUT AS MANY POSTED THROUGHOUT THE SEASON——-” REMEMBER MIGHTY JOE HARRIS ” FIRST FEW YEARS IN THE NBA
Age and lack of playing time is really gonna hurt Windler IMO. Also he lacked the foot speed to defend on ball at times this year. With Joe Harris, he played at UVA so there was less of a leap to make to the NBA than Windler.
Unfortunately, odds are more likely Windler will wash out than stick I’d think…. still rooting for him and still think he can play though despite mounting evidence.
Windler has to stay on the court, period. Unless/ until he does, it’s impossible to say much about him one way or the other.
Theoretical Windler I like but actual…meh. Shot looks butter smooth but did not go in at the needed rate to make up for some of his weaknesses—still, one more year to try him off the bench on occasions
Levert out for 14 days for health and safety protocol. Hornets are winning that game.
yeah just saw that injury list for Indiana, they have no interest in playing for New Nate and winning that game LMFAOOOOO
I’d look askance at any teammate who did not get the shot (unless there is a medical reason). To then have to quarantine before the POs and getting the team eliminated would be a red line.
Of course, that team is in near open rebellion and ain’t going anywhere anyway, so…..
great ‘cap and dedication as always Chris!!!
Thank you and same to you re: dedication!!!
Beautifully written CLF. Has been an honour to be live threading along with you this year when I’ve been able, and to watch your recap skill improve to match your analytical knack. Think CtB should at least give you an extension if not lock you up with a contract. 😁
Appreciate it Simmo, and honestly I personally can’t thank you enough for the Covid knowledge you dropped in here when the outbreak first happened, I was living in Seattle at the time of the first few cases and was scared as hell, but you sharing your wisdom got me and my loved ones thru it, just got my first vaccine shot!
LMFAOOOO CtB is like Hotel California, but actually good and fun!!! LMFAOOOOOOO
you can never leave..
LMFAOOOOO that’s right buck!
Hi all –
Loyal reader, seldom commenter here. Just wanted to say thanks for everyone’s efforts on this blog. I always look forward to the recaps, podcasts, breakdowns… but mostly the live feeds/reactions. Keep it up! Go Cavs!
Hey Rusty, Appreciate you dropping in and saying hi!!! GO CAVS!
Great job, Chris. You and Adam really did grrat stuff this year and you’re truly appreciated.
You got it Nate, definite shout out to Adam as well… he’s a damn good writer!!!
Can’t believe we pulled through the season, many thanks to you both!
When is the coin flip with OKC?
I think I heard next week? It’s soon whenever it is.
According to Givony, May 25th.
here’s some interesting draft analysis:
https://twitter.com/JakeFlancer/status/1394044001494441986?s=20
Has anyone calc’d the probability for #1, #2, etc., picks for the Cavs?
This is a non trivial calc. If I was exactly sure of what the rules are, I might try writing a simulation get data for a billion or so trials to get an estimate.
I think you’re looking for this:
http://www.tankathon.com/
That is a good start. Knowing the percentages of each possible outcome would be a plus.
The odds for each possible outcome are on the Tankathon site. Choose More > Pick Odds.
http://www.tankathon.com/pick_odds
THANK YOU AND ALL THE “CTB BROTHERHOOD —INCLUDING BUCKAROO ” FOR HANGING TOUGH TOGETHER IN A VERY CHALLENGING SEASON -=—ALOT OF DECISIONS FOR THE CAVS TO MAKE DURING THE OFF SEASON —LET’S HOPE THE ” BALLS ” LAND IN OUR FAVOR ………….THANKS AGAIN ALL YOU BROTHERS—–JUST REMEMBER ……..” MORE BEER PLEASE “……” GET A BISQUIT “……AND DO ALOT OF …..” KISSING THE DOG AND PETTING THE WIFE “
LMFAO AMEN NOMAD!
Looking forward to what should be a phenomenal playoffs and the lottery. If the Cavs get in the top four, I won’t complain. Thanks for the writeups, Chris. With all the injuries’ watching this team the last few weeks was a slog at times.
yup same Mike, playoff basketball what it’s all about!!!
You’re welcome of course and I appreciate you reading and commenting… and no worries, wasn’t going to waste the money I spent on League Pass LMFAOOOOOO
Chris, thanks for putting the finish on this one. I almost doubted the article’s truth, though when you wrote “Kyrie was a monster both offensively and defensively”…IS there such a thing as a monstrously defensive Kyrie, outside of him dodging reporters’ questions?
As for the draft, thanks to Minnesota for winning last night. A top-five opportunity was made a bit more possible: 45.1% in the top 4 and 52.5% in the top 5. I look forward to some great draft analysis, CtB!
LMFAOOOO you’re welcome of course Chris K!
LMFAOOOO when Kyrie wants to pass or defend, he can do it at the highest level…. the perennial question is “does Kyrie WANT to????” LMFAOOOOOO
Great finale recap Chris! Thanks so much for all of your contributions through this challenging and unique season of Cavs hoops. Can’t tell you how much we appreciate you’ve done to keep things going around here. Echoing your hopes for some lottery luck and off-season optimism for this team. Hope to be back this summer for more content and pods!
<3 all love EG… pretty sure this is one time in my life where I can speak for all and say we’ve missed you and glad you’re back States-side!!!