Recap: Warriors 104, Cavs 89 (or, Another Level)
2021-11-19The Cavs lose a tough one to the best team in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors 104-89 on the back of a historic performance by Steph Curry. The Cavs outplayed the Warriors for the first three quarters, but when winning time came Steph Curry elevated his play and the Warriors won the fourth quarter in dominating fashion 36-8. Let’s dive right into the game’s takeaways…
1. DG rose up to the challenge
Darius Garland looked like a superstar for the first three quarters of this game, outplaying Steph Curry who wasn’t playing poorly. DG made plays on both sides of the ball, recording two steals to go along with 25 points and five assists. Unfortunately for DG, he just didn’t have an extra gear in the fourth quarter to close the game. Based on the eye test, next step for DG is figuring out how orchestrate the offense to attack the most favorable matchups. Also, it would’ve been nice for DG to match Steph’s 16 three point attempts. It’s seems like a recurring problem that DG defers too much in the big time moments instead of finding a way to get his shot off. But this game will serve as a fantastic learning experience for DG in how to execute an offensive game plan down the stretch against a championship opponent.
2. Ed Davis proves his value
NCAA Champion Ed Davis came in cold and produce 14 rebounds, two blocks, and was perfect from the field. Davis was signed specifically for a veteran leadership role for the team. Part of that role is modeling how a professional NBA player stays ready no matter the circumstances. Davis passed the leadership test with flying colors, showing the guys how being competitive and professional is a winning formula.
3. Signs of improvement from Isaac Okoro
This felt like a turning point game for Isaac “Ice” Okoro, who was able to impact the game in a variety of ways with two steals, three assists, and seven rebounds. There were signs that Okoro’s finally catching his rhythm after an extended period off due to injury. Finding ways to make winning plays without scoring is the perfect way for Ice to get some mojo going… stay tuned for an improved Okoro in the near future.
4. A career game for Dean Wade?
“Mean” Dean Wade or “James” Dean Wade, whatever you prefer, played a helluva game, with 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in a grueling 40 minutes off of a back to back. One would hope with this type of performance that Wade has cemented a place in the rotation at the small forward or power forward spots. The reason for Wade’s career performance was his aggressiveness looking for his shot. He took 13 shots and scored efficiently, especially from three (3-6 from three). When he’s looking for his shot, Wade’s proven he can make winning plays off the dribble taking advantage of hard closeouts by the defense. Take a bow, Dean Wade!
5. Finally some rest
The Cavs have three days off, which couldn’t come at a better time with all the injuries. There’s rumors that Lauri Markkanen, Jarrett Allen, and Lamar Stevens could be back for the next game against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night on national television. Here’s to hoping the guys are healthy and rested! GO CAVS!
live thread is up!
GOING TO BE ‘MIA ” THIS WEEK—-HEADED TO SOUTHERN OHIO // HOCKING HILLS TO DO SOME TRAILHIKING AND ALSO SOME ” BEER// WINE TRAILS ‘—-THE MRS NOMAD AND I ARE “CAMPING ; OUT IN A TREE HOUSE -“-DON’T COME A KNOCKIN WHEN THIS TREE IS A ROCKIN” :-) THEN TO COLUMBUS TO ENJOY AN ENTIRE WEEKEND WITH FAMILY –GORGING ON ” FOOD AND BEVEREAGES AND OF COURSE GORGING// CELEBRATING AN O-H-IO TROUNCING OF TTUN —GO BUCKS// GO CAVS —-EVRYONE HAVE A SAFE// ENJOYABLE THANKSGIVING —” ALL YOU TURKEYS ” !!!
That sounds like a great time NOMAD!!! Happy Thanksgiving!
I am from southern Ohio, I absolutely love the Hocking Hills!!! Have a great time and be careful–some of those hikes/trails are more rugged than they first appear.
Me too. Back in the day, my crew hung out at Conkel’s Hollow all the time.
LeBron’s career is taking a nosedive. Now he is taking cheap shots and starting fights. Never thought I would see that.
As soon as there were 100 guys to break it up, Stewart responded by charging LeBron.
Can you imagine if this was 2011? We’d all be getting Isaiah Stewart t-shirts!
Looked somewhere between “incidental” (Vogel’s word) and intentional to me — like it happened out of instinct rather than malice and he instantly regretted it. LBJ isn’t a dirty player, but the moment is telling about the frustrations in Lakerland.
I so hope neither Lakers nor Nets make it to the finals again this year. Over it with the LBJ-Durant generation of stars. Time for the new guns!
ditto that with the Warriors, still cannot stand them!
It looked like a pretty hard backhand punch. That doesn’t happen by accident while boxing out. LeBron did look instantly sorry.
If I was commish, I’d give ’em both three games in the penalty box. Stewart maybe more for continued action.
It did not look too egregious to me. Though I must admit I only watched it twice at normal speed.
Stewart should get suspended for losing his mind. Repeatedly. LeBron? For that? I hope not.
GO BUCKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!—-WOW !!!——1 MORE TIME —NEXT WEEK !!!
Some Laker fanboys are already talking about Giannis in 2 years after giving up 130 to a Celtics team without Brown last night. LOL. Most entitled fanbase in the history of sports.
Hope they absolutely crater.
They are whiny and entitied. I agree.
But 18 titles & 33 Finals appearances in 74 years will do that. 44.6% of the time, they make the Finals. And that is with 1 of the last 11.
After Kobe’s last title, they were 32 of 63 in terms of Finals appearances. Over 50%. That is outrageous.
ANOTHER CAVS OPTION MIGHT BE TO CALL UP KYLE GUY WHO HAS BEENLIGHTING IT UP—-MIGHT BE BETTER THAN PAGOS // THINK HE IS BIGGER// MORE ATHLETIC
too bad kolby didn’t listen to uncle buck.. sexton needed to be traded before the season started.. .was injury not always a possibility, especially with sexton’s pedal to the floor approach to the game ? now a once-valuable asset is a dead asset and they have no options.
sure. should have traded Mobley too, he is also hurt
raoul bro.. why the sarcasm ? sexton was never going to give up the no. 1 position that was bestowed on him.. i was advocating his being traded well before the first game (actually right after mobley was drafted).. he is not a max player and would likely be happy settling for being a “role” player on the cavs.. so move him for a few seasoned pros on reasonable contracts who can hit some 3a and play some D.. now, however, nothing but a stranded asset.. you don’t want a GM who plays checkers to amuse their tiny brain.. you… Read more »
Agree Sexton has a lot of downsides. Disagree that he doesn’t have any upsides. He might have looked pretty good coming off the bench if the Cavs wind up in the playoffs. And he has great hair!
A trade is good if you get something better. Easier said than done.
never said he doesn’t have upside.. i like the young fellow and respect him as well.. but i do believe that the team would have been well served to find a trade partner to get a few mid-level mid cost support players to better support the path the team is on.. they need 3s and some D.. not sexton’s forte.. moot now.. shit happens..
agree.
with Sexton gone for remainder of season – Cavs need to figure out 3rd guard situation and if they need to shop around for someone hungry to get minutes. They need scoring and I don’t think Rubio will stay as hot as he’s been and think Garland will have slight regression over time (if not an injury). Is Pangos a reliable answer, if not, why was he signed? Think its early in the season for Cavs to experiment and see what they have and where they can find extra points at guard position. Don’t think Okoro or even Cedi would… Read more »
TOTALLY SUCKS ABOUT SEXTON—–HOPE/PRAY HE RECOVERS–IF ANYONE CAN COME BACK STRONG // HE CAN—–ALOT OF QUESTIONS NOW SURFACE GOING FORWARD FOR THE CAVS —WHO REPLACES HIM —DO THEY CALL ANYONE UP// OR TRADE// WHAT IS SEXTONS LONG TERM FUTURE WITH THE CAVS// OR TRADE VALUE ——–STAY TUNED —-YEAH THE CAVS HAVE REALLY BEEN A ‘SNAKEBITEN ” TEAM WITH RECENT INJURIES WTF
Sorta ridiculous to say given the we just lost our top scorer for the year, but Long term I think the Sexton development is best case scenario for Cavs. Can’t see anyone offering him anything close to max next summer now that he’s coming back from injury so if we want to resign him, it’s probably on a reasonable contracts. Okoro forced to show whether he can make strides on offense. DG gets to develop with no question as to whose team this is (from a guard perspective, at least). And don’t we get some kind of injury exception to… Read more »
Pistons lost to the Warriors in a close one, but Cade had another good game. He’s starting to show why he was the best player on every team he has ever been a part of.
couple guys named Curry and Green did not play
Sure, but Cade was still good.
Seriously?
guess so, speculation that he got it repaired instead of trimmed, which is better for long term health supposedly. Smart move I suppose, athletic explosion key part of his game.
Makes it really, really hard to see what his next contract will be, with the Cavs or somewhere else. This team has been as snakebitten with injuries as any team in the NBA the last couple of seasons.
I am still surprised by “done for the season.” Six months? I hope it is worth it for him and the team.
Sucks, absolutely brutal. Needed to see how he fit with everyone , going to have to guess a bit if we do decide to match or offer a new contract.
Agreed. And whatever you think of Sexton, cam they win more games without him than with him? I do like the idea of Okoro learning his place on this team.
might be for the better. no question now that his role will be as a microwave scorer off the bench
This is what I was afraid of. Sucks for this year, but Sexton looks like he did what is best for his long term health.
Pity he won’t get to develop with the team this year. Sexton making strides is best case for the Cavs. His trade value & market value are gonna take big hits.
I used to inow this stuff cold, do we get any rister relief with him being out for the year?
Cleveland Guardian record so far:
Indians –> Guardians renaming off to a crashing bad start
ALSO THINK LIKE ALL THE OTHER PLAYERS —MISSING 3-4-5 STARTERS —–HINDERS YOUR PERFORMANCE SOMEWHAT OTHER TEAMS CAN ” GANG UP—PLAY YOU ALOT TIGHTER ‘—-POSSIBLY WHAT WINDLER IS FACING RIGHT NOW —–BUT HE STILL NEEDS TO HAVE THE CONFIDENCE // SKILL IF PLAYED TIGHT TO PUT THE BALL ON THE FLOOR AND CREATE A SHOT // PASS
Typical Bray.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/streamable.com/amp_player/0ljmx0
cheating p.o.s.
TOTALLY AGREE WITH RAOUL—AND ALSO CAVS BACK// BACK // HEALTH ISSUES —- A WIN WOULD HAVE BEEN SPECIAL BUT ENJOY // SUPPORT THE TEAMS EFFORT—-MANTRA —” ALL GRIT–NO QUIT ‘
DIDN’T WATCH 2ND HALF —WILL WATCH REPLAY TODAY—-GOOD TO SEE ICE HOPEFULLY HEADED IN RIGHT DIRECTION —DAVIS COULD BE A ‘ LUXURY ‘ FIND —HELP REPLACE THE LOSS OF HARD ROCK —–WINDLER PLAYED 18 MIN’S—ONLY TOOK 1 SHOT —YEAH I BELIEVE IN ” PLAYING WITHIN THE FLOW OF THE GAME ‘ BUT THERE HAD TO BE SOME MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIM TO SHOOT —–GOOD TO SEE THE CAVS WITH 3 DAYS OFF/ REST —WELL DESERVED
Noticed the lack of Windler shots too. Perhaps a symptom of the tight GSW perimeter defence we witnessed. He doesn’t seem able to drive and kick, or dribble much at all TBH. He was well covered every time he caught a pass. Credit to GSW for making it hard for him. There’s work to be done.
he isn’t even looking to shoot the ball now, always defers, he just looks kinda disinterested out there, like he isn’t a part of the team’s plans or something (which i don’t believe he is)
If he plays like that, he will not be part of any team’s plans.
IMO Windler’s just trying to do too much (dribble, drive, finish, kick) instead of shoot. I think his long wind up makes him skittish, but he just needs to learn the pump fake, side step shoot move.
That was a major collapse by the Cavs..yes they’re down starters (5 guys total) in rotation but they were up 15 at one point. Can’t excuse the loss of starters when you get outscored 36-9 when those same guys had team up 15. One of achilles heels for JB Bick is just sticking with a core regardless of minutes. Only really played Ed Davis outside of core, there was no one else capable of scoring or defending/fouling hard?? especially when Curry got hot? Admire the tenacity but if this team goes in flames down the road its coaching, JB needs… Read more »
A 15 point lead in the third quarter doesn’t mean much in the NBA, especially when the greatest 3 point shooter in history is on the other team.
I feel your disappointment, but watching this strung-out squad compete with a mostly healthy GSW squad for almost the whole game made me proud as f*ck.
I was not surprised when the wheels fell off and the favourites closed it out as they should have.
This is not the loss to hang on JB’s head.