Recap: Pistons 109, Cavs 113 (or, the Cedi Osman Episode)

The Cavs squared up their season series tonight against their Central Division rival Detroit Piston 113-109, with some  virtuosity on offense and some mental toughness on defense. The Cavs saved their best for last scoring 31 fourth quarter points, their most of the night. Let’s dive right into tonight’s takeaways…

1. The Lake Erie Show, Cedi Osman Episode

Gotta Love a Euro 😍@kevinlove ➡️ @cediosman pic.twitter.com/0fVhjHf9wG

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 20, 2022

The Cavs won this game with their offense, posting a 115.3 offensive rating for the game. It was the bench, spearheaded by Cedi Osman who really gave the Cavs the extra offensive juice they needed with the dead legs of a back to back. After a couple of games riding/resting on the bench, Cedi the Jedi was a force of nature tonight with an efficient 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a team high +33.9 net rating, over doubling the next highest player (NBA Champion Kevin Love). Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor had reported that Cedi was in the doghouse after a lackluster effort a few games ago, but to the untrained eye it just looked like Cedi needed some load management. He was relentless attacking the rim and attacking the boards, which is something he notoriously struggles with.

The aforementioned Love was also a key part of the offensive excellence with a solid double double, 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, a block, and a +14.8 net rating. But don’t be fooled, Love has been solid as a rock on the defensive end. No, he can’t stay in front of quick guys off the bounce but he can put his body on the line and take charges and challenge shots at the rim still. He is also an elite rebounder who helped the Cavs win the rebound battle handily, 45-38. When Cedi and Love are really on their games, they play a really fun and exciting brand of winning basketball. These guys had the crowd absolutely rocking tonight!

2. Darius Garland, NBA MVP?

Stoppin' on a dime 🔥@dariusgarland22 | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/624yvy42Ui

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 20, 2022

DG did it again, guiding this offense to new heights with another double double, 24 points, 12 assists, two steals, and a +4.8 net rating in 41.2 minutes. He was the recipient of the “junkyard dog” award from Coach J.B. Bickerstaff for stepping up to the challenge, playing all those minutes on a back to back. It took awhile for DG to get going but when he did, he was unstoppable. DG is the zenith of pure hooping, enjoy it.

3. “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,”

Evan Mobley turned in a Rookie of the Year performance himself with a stat stuffing double double, 12 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three stocks, and a +6.6 net rating in 35.5 minutes. It’s amazing how Mobley’s offense has blossomed with the move to the center position filling in for the injured Jarrett Allen. He’s stepped up in his role as secondary playmaker and scorer, which is a heavy burden to bear for a NBA rookie. The chemistry is building between DG and Mobley, they are becoming an unstoppable force in the NBA.

Name a better duo… We'll wait.@dariusgarland22 ➡️ @evanmobley pic.twitter.com/BWQlwS195G

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 20, 2022

4. Quick note on the Pistons

The Pistons were a feisty out tonight, and have had the Cavs’ number this year relatively speaking. Cade Cunningham has really turned the corner on his rookie year, and a second year leap should be expected. The problem is that they don’t have much more than that. Jeremi Grant was special tonight scoring the ball with 40 points, but trade rumors swirl around that guy similarly to what Love used to experience. Perhaps they can execute a Cavs-like offseason makeover. They have a lot of young pieces, but are lacking some grizzled vets with championship pedigree.

5. Next up, Return of the King Part 2

2016 NBA Champion LeBron James makes his return to the homeland as the Los Angeles Lakers come to town and help the Cavs finish off their five game homestand. Monday’s game is clearly the hottest ticket in town. Cleveland has really shown up for the team during this homestand, it’s going to be electric in the Rock. It’s impossible to ignore the symbolism of a young Cavs squad possibly vanquishing the man who built the Cavs into a championship organization. The Cavs should be expecting LeBron James’ best, fans should expect something special.

6. Playoff Picture

The Cavs have pulled to within a half game out of the fifth seed, and only two games out of the fourth seed of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Cavs’ schedule from here on out is brutal, and frankly an embarrassment for the NBA that they’d roll out such a ridiculous schedule. The Cavs will be lucky to go .500, which will probably keep the Cavs in the sixth seed and removes the chance to get home court advantage. The schedule is so tough that it wouldn’t be surprising if the Cavs fell into the play-in rounds. It’ll be interesting to see how J.B. plays it down the stretch. The Cavs should seriously consider some load management to ensure they enter the play-ins/playoffs with bodies to play. On the flip side, the Cavs just scored two massive wins in 48 hours. Anything is possible, Go Cavs!

P.S. Injury note

The Dean Wade injury update wasn’t good. Rumors that it could be a torn meniscus, the same injury that sidelined Collin Sexton for the season. Here’s to hoping he’s OK.

ICYMI: #Cavs Dean Wade to undergo further testing on his sore right knee Monday, sources tell @clevelanddotcom. There is some worry about the meniscus. He continues to get treatment while awaiting clarity. https://t.co/2imLCn1zxf

— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) March 19, 2022