Recap: Clippers 111, Cavs 120 (OT) or, The Lake Erie Show

In a game that defied pre-game expectations, the Cavs authored an offensive masterpiece to take down the Los Angeles Clippers 120-111. The game was a sight for sore eyes as the Cavs and Clippers both played at a high level at something akin to playoff intensity. Let’s dive right into some thoughts on tonight’s win…

1. The Lake Erie Show

With the Cavs’ escalating struggles on the defensive end given the losses of Ricky Rubio and Jarrett Allen, the Cavs have discovered a new way to win, yours truly dubbing it “The Lake Erie Show.” Over the course of this season, the Cavs’ offense has steadily improved with the continuing emergence of All-Star point guard Darius Garland. DG put together another masterful offensive performance with 24 points, 13 assists, a steal, and a +11.5 net rating in 45.7 grueling minutes. DG has been on an absolute tear post-ASB, averaging 27 points and 11 assists per game… those are MVP numbers. He’s not only putting up numbers, he’s also making plays in the most pressurized moments such as this massive three coming down the stretch of the fourth quarter:

Darius Garland is *tough* pic.twitter.com/TNmO6zcyRO

— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) March 15, 2022

But Darius Garland can’t put up those numbers without his partner in crime Rookie of the Year candidate Evan Mobley. It was a historic night for Evan “the Professional” Mobley, who scored a career high 30 points, snagged six rebounds, four stocks, an assist, and posted a +5.4 net rating in over 40 minutes of action. He and Clippers’ center Ivica Zubac had a titanic battle in the paint that was a delight to watch for any fan of basketball. Mobley was able to compete and counter Zubac’s superhuman strength with speed, grace, and skill. The move to center has predictably allowed Mobley to exploit mismatches on the offensive side. Mobley at center also allows the Cavs to put an extra shooter on the court such as Dean Wade and Dylan Windler, which brings diversification to the offensive attack. DG and Mobley being able to carry the team offensively will serve them well as the playoffs approach. Tonight, the Lake Erie Show was born.

2. Welcome Back Caris LeVert!

A big part of the Cavs’ offensive excellence tonight can be credited to the return of Caris LeVert to the lineup to help bolster the bench unit. While the counting stats say LeVert had a ho-hum type of game, the team impact stats say that LeVert turned in a Ricky Rubio-like performance posting a team high +29.2 net rating in 25.1 minutes on the floor. Further, it wasn’t just the offensive end where LeVert’s impact was felt. The Cavs posted an elite 93.8 defensive rating in LeVert’s minutes. The eye test said that LeVert brought a ton of energy and physicality to the defensive side of the ball. There was a palpable joy to LeVert’s game, it was obvious he missed being in the mix with his teammates playing meaningful games. Glad to see Caris having fun doing what he loves!

3. Eye spy… Dylan Windler?????

Yes, that’s right… Dylan Windler actually saw minutes on the court in an NBA contest! And not just that, the Cavs’ second half push started with the insertion of Windler into the game in place of a struggling Cedi Osman. Windler brought the dawg and energy, with five rebounds, an assist, and a steal in only 12 minutes on the floor. He posted a stellar +12.5 net rating, with the Cavs posting an elite defensive rating of 104.2 in those minutes. Here’s to hoping that Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has finally yielded to the pro-Windler agenda because it’s long overdue.

4. Sixth Man of the Year Kevin Love

This is the daily reminder that NBA Champion Kevin Love is the rightful Sixth Man of the Year. KLOVE turned in another stellar performance with 13 points, nine rebounds, and a +19.4 net rating in only 17.6 minutes. He’s continuing to have one of the best seasons of his career since his prime in Minnesota. It also looks like he’s building a little chemistry with LeVert as well. Real hoopers know, Kevin Love is a bucket and a problem. Get in on the agenda while there’s still time.

5. The Amazing Basketball Feats of Brandon Goodwin

OH. MY. G00DNESS.@goodysav | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/PlEN6wlrgX

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 15, 2022

Brandon Goodwin, take a bow… this is one of those plays that inspires teammates to victory. The shortest man on the court, refusing to give up anything easy, having the courage to put his body on the line for the win. One can’t help but get chills watching this play.

6. Breakthrough for Ice?

The Isaac Okoro haters are in shambles tonight after Ice put together perhaps one of the finest performances of his young career. Ice went for 20 points on only six shot attempts, chipped in five rebounds, five assists, two stocks, and posted a +28.4 net rating, besting all Cavs except LeVert. Ice was an absolute force attacking the rim with the relentlessness of prime Dwyane Wade. Were it not for Ice’s rim attacks, Zubac probably wouldn’t have fouled out of the game in overtime. The Cavs posted an elite 100.0 defensive rating with Ice making the Clippers’ lives hell. This is what the Cavs envisioned in the backcourt with DG and Ice having perfectly complementary games.

7. Quick note on the Clippers

Former Cavs’ coach Ty Lue and the Los Angeles Clippers were a worthy adversary, putting forth a valiant effort. The aforementioned Zubac was a menace in the post. It can be argued that top to bottom, the Clippers have proven to be the deepest team in the NBA. If they’re able to get back Paul George and Norman Powell for the playoffs, there will be a lot of Western Conference teams wallowing in the mud at the prospect of facing them in a seven game series.

8. Next up, the 76ers

The Cavs will host the Philadelphia 76ers in another showdown of Eastern Conference playoff teams. The Cavs should have revenge on their mind after narrowly losing to them 10 days ago. *Austin Carr voice* It’s payback time, Go Cavs!