Recap: Cavs 119, Bucks 90 (or, No Mercy)

Recap: Cavs 119, Bucks 90 (or, No Mercy)

2021-12-19 Off By Chris Francis

The Cavs start off their “business trip” on the right foot with a clinical beatdown of the “Milwaukee Bucks,” in quotes because they exclusively played their second and third string units. The COVID situation sucks but the Cavs handled it professionally, ensuring garbage time for the Cavs’ bench 119-90. Stat of of the night? 36 assists. Let’s dive right into tonight’s takeaways…

1. The Renaissance of Kevin Love

NBA Champion Kevin Love is quite possibly playing the best ball of his Cavalier career, and perhaps some of the best ball of his NBA career. His BPM this season is +5.6, which is the second highest BPM of his entire career, and highest since his 2013-14 season. Tonight, he led all Cavs with a +57.1 net rating in 23 minutes on the court. His scoring off the bench has been prolific (leads the team with 21.9 points per 36 minutes), there’s absolutely no question he should be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year.

It was very lonely on Love Island for yours truly. But the pro-Love agenda is stronger than ever, and the best is yet to come.

2. Darius Garland is a Bucket and a Problem

22 points on 10-13 shooting, six assists, four rebounds, and only two turnovers. Throw in a steal for good measure. Impact on the game? +24.2 net rating to lead all starters. He’s only 21 years old still, being a 20/10 guy is not that far away!

3. Cedi the “Jedi” Osman, the Macedonian King

Cedi led all Cavs in scoring with 23 points on 8-12 shooting, 5-9 from three. He pitched in five rebounds, four assists, and a steal. He also posted a +40.8 net rating. LeBron James must be proud of the young King.

4. Spanish Team Ricky Rubio in Full Effect

Ricky Rubio played a complete game with 15 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, three steals, one block, and was second on the team in net rating at +48.3. The way he plays the game is a joy and privilege to watch. Yours truly can’t wait for him to get a chance to play in the playoffs.

5. Get Well Dylan Windler

The Belmont product took a nasty fall and quite literally landed on his face after a gorgeous defensive play and shot attempt at the rim. Just as he made a nice play, he gets hurt. One can’t help but feel for the guy. Get well and get back on the court soon Dylan!

6. Atlanta Got Next

The Cavs have to fly by night and rest up in Atlanta to take on a presumably desperate Hawks team who are currently out of the play-in seeds. It’s a tough challenge but the Cavs have made a habit of overcoming challenges with extreme prejudice… GO CAVS!!!

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