Live Thread: Play-In Game, Cavs @ Nets
2022-04-12It’s finally here, the post-season and the Cavs are in it as they traverse to the banks of the East River to take on the Brooklyn Nets in the Cavs’ biggest game since the 2018 NBA Finals. All eyes of the NBA world will be on the Barclays Center to see if the Cavs can pull off what would be one of the great upsets in sports lore.
What will it take to upset the Nets? It starts on the defensive end with Evan Mobley. Mobley will have to be special tonight on the defensive end protecting the rim, rebounding the ball, and challenging outside shots on switches. The Cavs will go as far as Mobley can take them defensively. It’s obviously a tremendous burden to bear for a 20 year old rookie, but it’s in these types of games when Mobley elevates his game to superstar levels. No matter what transpires, this is the type of experience Mobley needs to test the limits of his game and become the NBA superstar he’s destined to be.
The game on the offensive end is clearly an easier task, that’s where Brooklyn struggles the most. But the question is whether Darius Garland and the Cavs’ offense can remain disciplined and consistently create and attack mismatches that will present themselves. Too many times the Cavs’ perimeter players have passed up on the simple play: a post up for Kevin Love, Lauri Markkanen, or Evan Mobley on a guard. The Nets will be playing a combination of Seth Curry, Kyrie Irving, Patty Mills, and maybe Goran Dragic or Cam Thomas. These are the guys who should be attacked every possession. Can the Cavs execute, and can they adjust to the Nets’ adjustments? The pressure is on Coach J.B. Bickerstaff to guide these guys through the game.
On Brooklyn’s side…
Looking at Brooklyn, the only real pressing question is with whom Coach Steve Nash decides to surround Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Conventional wisdom would dictate only Patty Mills and Nic Claxton getting minutes off the bench. But does Nash go with vets LaMarcus Aldridge or Blake Griffin instead? What about rookies Kessler Edwards or Cam Thomas? Nash trying to extend his bench or experiment could open a chance for the Cavs to exploit those matchups. But can the Cavs’ capitalize if it happens?
Stat to remember
This game will largely be dictated by who wins on the glass. The Cavs have a golden opportunity to generate second chance points given the Nets’ worst in the NBA defensive rebound rate. Unfortunately the Nets have a similar opportunity for themselves given a bottom 10 ranking for the Cavs. Who makes those hustle plays and creates the easy buckets generated by rebounding the ball? The Cavs lost the rebound battle by 14 last Friday night, that will have to change.
Tip off is scheduled for 7:00PM ET and will be broadcasted live on TNT, Go Cavs!
Podcap up!
Interesting ROY numbers – Cade ‘led’ Pistons from 20 wins to 23 wins…Scottie ‘led’ Raptors from 27 wins to 48 wins…Mobely ‘led’ Cavs from 22 to 44 wins…still think Mobley should win but I could understand Barnes getting it.
Even as a ‘play in game’ we know the guys we can trust and its small. Maybe playing at home will loosen up the role players and bench guys. Team played very tight in 1st then only loosened up by 4th…by then it was too late.
Again for Cavs to have any chances – Markk/Levert/Rondo need to step up like Love did.
I would also keep super short leash on Okoro if he’s not going to bring anything tangible on either end of the floor.
No guarantees Friday and Cavs need to clean some things up – GO CAVS!
agree
Who would we rather play on Friday ? Both teams are high octane offense and if we play defense like today we will be going home.
Charlotte, no question. Hawks have playoff experience and a more veteran roster.
That, and a PG who refs will protect like he’s their grandmother…
That to. Either way, they will be at home, maybe the whistle will be more favorable.
Damn straight!
With Allen, we win this. With Rubio, we’re 5 seed. It’s about next year. #bringbackricky
We are young and there’s no need to be in win-now mode. Therefore we should not sign Levert and/or Sexton long term.
Yeah should have a lot of cap space in 2023 if we don’t sign LeVert/Sexton and with Love’s contract coming off the books.
We should retain Love. I actually think we should retire him here.
I think he will. Just won’t be at 28-32 mil/year lol.
Agree. 3 years 45mil is ok I guess. I love him here!
I want this too – I just can’t see him staying until retirement. Lifestyle is a big thing for many players, and Love spends much of his time outside of the game in NY. I’d predict his headed to one of those teams eventually.
this is more complicated. first, you want to see how Sexton plays at a year older. and you have to consider potential value in future trades, which is ultra complicated.
Sexton will not be a two-way player in his return. He has potential I agree but the way it fits us is he comes as a 6th man at best with highly improved playmaking ability.
He definitely can lift us to a mid-tier playoff team level but also puts a ceiling on what could be a championship roster in the future.
Sexton certainly has limitations, but he is who we got. the better player you want is someone we don’t got.
if he plays better than expected — great. if we can use potential / salary as part of a good trade — good.
A point that doesn’t need belaboring, but I am going to belabor anyways because I’m a frustrated fan.
Okoro line – 13 min, 0 points, 0-3 FG, 1 reb, 1 ast, 0 stocks
LeVert line – 40 min!!!!, 12 points, 4-12 FG, 7 reb, 7 ast, 3 stocks
Cedi line – 21 min, 2 points, 0-4 FG, 4 reb, 1 ast, 0 stocks
Cavs need a dead eye shooter in the worst way. Get rid of all three of those guys.
I give Okoro one more year to figure out that he can be Ant Edwards. If he can’t do it, we move on. The other two ain’t it.
He has zero chance of becoming an Anthony Edwards. But I’d take a 35 to 38% three point shooter on 5-6 attempts a game from both corners and wing.
It’s tough, at times he is just so invisible and doesn’t rebound for a guy who is 6’5 230. But he’s 21, I am willing to wait some more, but they need to go back to the developmental drawing board with him.
The rebounding thing is a concern. We have a lot of poor rebounders for specific positions.
Okoro can be our Bowen. But with the NBA set up right now, he should come off the bench in a championship team roster.
Yeah we need a starting caliber wing no matter what.
Okoro will never be Ant lol.
Okoro was always 2 years away from being anything and we are at the end of year two and its going to be dicey next season if he doesn’t show much improvement. Levert needs time with this team, he still looks uncomfortable and does too much cause of either lack of confidence or understanding. Cedi should have been gone 2 years ago.
Tend to agree with most of this. No one looks good right now, all are being asked to do too much due to missing pieces. Levert can be a great closer, but when he is already gassed from playing this many minutes? No. Cedi’s great shooting form dropped off in parallel with team injuries and increased minutes as well. These guys can have a role, but we need a healthy squad. They are also very trade-worthy if Cavs identify better options.
Next season is make or break for Ice, though.
right. if Okoro doesn’t make a MAJOR jump next year, he should not be in any future plans.
Felt Cavs started this game like eh whatever then they got spooked and started playing better each quarter but it was too late…they NEED to start hot next game it’s critical
If this team got off to reasonable start they might have taken this game….the little details were missed numerous times but they’ll learn and Friday they need to be better
Rock solid games from Durant and Kylie, and very good games from B. Brown and Clayton, and that is just too much for the Cavs to get past.
Good effort after the first quarter to come back and make a good game out of it.
LeVert is a nice kid, and I wish he could play a bit better, but he doesn’t see the court well enough.
I think the “who do we keep?” Sexton vs. Levert debate is over. At least he’s an expiring contract!
Agree, just not a guy who is going to raise your ceiling. Even with Sexton’s flaws, I’d rather invest in a 23 year old then a soon to be 28 year old.
Sexton is probably a better scorer even now but will always be a negative defender and has absolutely zero court vision. LeVert at least has size. I don’t love either.
Agree on the size factor, I thought his playmaking had gotten better. I just think in a 6th man role and with the right players around him could be useful for the right price. I also think he should be a much better on ball defender with his athleticism, just need more experience and players around him that demand it.
I mean the sixth man role would be ideal and I think it’s what everyone wants. But question is whether he is willing to do to it after being the guy for most of his career here.
Also how much are you willing to pay for a sixth man? Not max money IMO. I’d resign him for 15 to 18. But I doubt he is happy with that. Doesn’t have a choice depending on RFA interest. But I wouldn’t be surprised of a team goes for 20-25 based on his age. One more year to figure that out I believe.
I wouldn’t go any higher than 18. 16 would be an ideal number for the team, he probably wants at least 20. I think he is in a tough spot with the overall market, I just don’t see the teams with cap space going after him coming off an injury, especially with a guy like Jalen Brunson hitting free agency also who I think teams view as a more valuable versatile player. I think the cavs might be in a position to play hardball with him and his agent, but we’ll see. They could always do a sign and trade… Read more »
Hope so.
I’d be okay with 18. And that’s a lot of money and a lot of cap space. I think that’s a fair number, but he probably doesn’t.
KYRIE FASTING FOR RAMADAN??? Since when is he a Muslim?
Who knew that Q was actually the Prophet Muhammad in disguise as Dr. Oz?
😂😂😂
Sun up to sundown only. Not quite what I’d call fasting.
Kyrie will appropriate any culture or religion that fits his mood.
Rondo still pissed with the refs call, taking it further
I appreciate these commentators though. They are very clear on the two teams abilities.
I assume everyone is hearing the TNT team – only one available on LP.
I am…good broadcast team.
Seriously F the refs
Would be pretty nice to have KPJ instead of Levert right about now.
Honestly would have been nice to have Sexton…
Or Rubio.
👆👆👆👆
How many more games does this 44-win team have if Rubio plays the season?
You mean wins? Cavs hit 55 IMHO
I don’t see a scenario where he fits in with this team at this point in his young life.
Really?
now they foul
Just malpractice to not foul with like 45 seconds left and let the Nets run the clock all the way…
And not even try to trap and get a turnover. Just watching the clock tick away.
A really good NBA coach doesn’t let that happen…it’s not complicated…
So challenge, it JB…
not fouling?????
Gah. So just gave up down six with 45 left.
Avery single caris minute would likely be improved if it were given to Windler.
No.
Gonna stick by that. He is a nightmare
Lol Windler ain’t some secret weapon. He can’t hit a 3 either.
I loathe the Celtics, as you might surmise by my comments here over the years…I hope they sweep this team…
Lol. Yep and yep.
Just foul if that’s the play you’re gonna give up.
Yep. Infuriating.
Especially since it’s basically all paint points – alley-oops and layups..
Yep. Tactically bereft down the stretch.
Were they running a defense they normally run with Jarrett Allen and expect Jarrett Allen results from Kevin Love? Not happening…
Only one who showed up is DG, Evan and Kevin Love.
Rondo too.
Rondo and Lauri.
So tired of the easy Claxton oops…
Smart hack-a by Rondo there.
Garland has to foul Claxton there!
Now or never…
Never..or at least never tonight…played hard…
Rrrrrondo
Missing JA…so much…
All those easy Drummond layups…
So many things…they need him so badly…
Not gonna get an easier look Kev
Such a small margin for error at this level.
Both teams made plenty of errors. We were just down 20 after 1.
Durant is annoying. Cavs gotta make layups. They’re going after Irving ever play which is smart, but they can’t get stops.
all those easy layups that got blocked really coming back to haunt them.
cupcake for the win
soon as they don’t put Lauri on KD he goes to work.
KD being KD.
Almost like KD is kinda good at basketball.
Big miss Garland.
BIG miss, DG…
Gah, can’t miss layups
Well, no chance at this jump ball but hat tip rondo for that battle
Rondawg!
Should have gone up with that, Caris…
Hang onto your hats…
LETS GOOOOO EVAN
So much DAWG in this team!!!!!
What. A. Pass. Garland!
Let’s foil out Irving. LeVert go at him.
Gah that’s such a hard action to defend
Gonna be tough to get enough stops with this lineup
Does Claxton’s modeling contract allow him to dunk?
Caris. Finally
Getting regular rebounds now, Nets leaving the door open.
Attaway Laur
Gotta hit every time down the floor. Oh Lauri YEEESSZS