Preseason Recap: 76ers 113, Cavs 97 (or, When Adversity Strikes)
2022-10-11Here are some quick thoughts as the Cavs were unable to overcome a Tyrese Maxey-led first quarter blitz to the tune of 33-20, en route to a 113-97 loss. Let’s dive right in…
1. DG and DMitch face their first adversity
Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell finally faced their first adversity of the season as teammates with both players quite simply laying an egg in the first quarter. DG and DMitch were utterly passive (combined for 19 shots in over 50 minutes) and indecisive (combined for 10 assists, nine turnovers). The offense looked best when Garland or Mitchell actually looked to score, which wasn’t often enough. This was expected, after all they are playing game two of the preseason. The most concerning part about their play was their inability to adjust and feed the hot hand in Caris LeVert. LeVert clearly had it going and neither guy tried to manipulate the game to create mismatches for LeVert to attack. But again, it’s preseason… these things take a lot of time in practice to learn.
2. J.B. silences the Caris haters, Caris defenders rejoice
There’s no question many Cavs fans voiced their displeasure at the idea of starting Caris LeVert at the three, saying that he was either too small, couldn’t shoot, or couldn’t defend. Yet Coach J.B. Bickerstaff captures another coaching “W” by going with Caris LeVert’s offensive versatility and defensive intensity to help take the heat off DG and DMitch. Regular listeners of the podcast know that yours truly has been the resident Caris defender, and now all can see why I’m sitting here smiling serenely, basking in the glow of another victorious agenda. According to realgm.com stats, LeVert’s minutes rank tops on the Cavs’ preseason roster in offensive efficiency (131.4 ortg). He’s top five in effective field goal percentage and assist percentage. He leads all starters in net rating at +16.3. The Caris bandwagon is starting to fill up, secure your spot today!
3. What’s up with Jarrett Allen?
If there was anyone’s play to be concerned about thus far in the preseason, it’d have to be Jarrett Allen’s. He sports the worst net rating among starters by far (-8.1). While he had a better night offensively last night with 19 points on 15 attempts, he’s still at a sub-50% true shooting percentage for the preseason. What’s more concerning is his defensive activity, especially rim protection (a paltry-for-JA 1.7% block rate), has been virtually non-existent to start the preseason. The rebounding activity has also been subpar (20.4% rebound rate, JA’s career average is at 23.8%). Of course there are plenty of mitigating circumstances (small sample, bad matchup against Joel Embiid, Doc Rivers going small ball yesterday). But, if there’s one guy yours truly wants to see some progression from this preseason, it’s Jarrett Allen.
4. J.B. = Major Payne?
One of the main themes coming from the Cavs’ training camp was how Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has emphasized conditioning in their practices. Guys have been quoted saying this was their hardest training camp they could remember. One can’t help but think that may have played a role in the Cavs’ disastrous start yesterday. It could explain Jarrett Allen’s lack of defensive activity as well as how Donovan Mitchell goes 3-6 from the free throw line with a bunch of front of the rim misses. Perhaps J.B. needs to cool it with the “Major Payne” act.
5. Shout out to Mamadi Diakite
Mamadi Diakite has put forth one helluva resumé this preseason as he continues to make noise for a roster spot. He leads the team in net rating (+30.9) and effective field goal percentage (87.5%). His stock rate is off the charts. He has a lot to learn about NBA speed and physicality, but Diakite has clearly demonstrated some NBA traits so far this preseason. Take a bow young man!
6. A word on Philly
Watching these past two games, it’s clear the Philadelphia 76ers should be talked about as a finalist/championship contender. They’re playing as though they’re on a mission. The offseason pickups of P.J. Tucker, Danuel House, and De’Anthony Melton were all solid pickups that will bring some schematic versatility to Philly’s attack. They’re clearly all in this season, these past two games were a great measuring stick for the Cavs.
7. Next up, Atlanta tomorrow night
The Cavs will have the chance to quickly redeem last night’s performance against the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow night. It’s unclear how the coaches will play it, but it could be a preview of the “Battle Royale of Newly-Minted Backcourts.” If so, it’ll be must watch TV, Go Cavs!
(All stats herein courtesy of RealGM.com)
I gotta disagree on your Allen take. His per minute production has been due to scheme more than anything. https://twitter.com/oldseaminer/status/1579629990479417345?s=20&t=MQGvDQOUiwCFF8zqqfnYlA They’re switching him up out on the perimeter, and it’s hard for him to even get back to rebound half the time and the other half of the time he’s the only one on the d boards. Offensively, he’s been a bit rusty, but they all have been save Caris. I think part of it is a difficult camp. Hopefully they get some rest coming up. The bigger mess has been Wade, who’s pretty much stunk up the joint and… Read more »
Celtics fan I was watching the game with thought Allen looked out of shape. Combined with the relativized numbers, evidence says he’s not played well. And I’d say the opposite is true about Wade. He has a higher defensive rebound rate in the preseason than Allen (24.4% vs. 20.4%)…. Allen’s just crashing the offensive boards well. The Cavs are a +11 net rating with Wade on the floor. In spite of looking goofy on the court some times, he’s playing good team basketball so far. Isaiah on the other hand, is way out of his depth offensively, .429% TS and… Read more »
LT up
I’ve been pretty impressed with the Sixers, really. Melton was a big pickup for them, and I think Harrell will be nice, at least in the regular season. And I like Paul Reed, too. Reed and Harrell both give them some toughness sorely needed on a team featuring both Embiid and Le Turd. Those guys without Embiid played really hard against the Cavs. They didn’t look like they were treating it like a preseason game. I think Mitchell and DG will be fine eventually, but it’ll take some time. Wonder if Mobley will play tonight. If he’s out, I wouldn’t… Read more »
I read that he might be back next game
agreed, Melton was a massive pickup, stuck behind one of the Duke Jones brothers for backup PG in Memphis… Morey W.
also agree that Philly came out with a purpose both games… their roster is strong.
I’m undoubtedly excited about Mitchell and love him as the kind of superstar to add to this team — young, humble, team-oriented — but I have to admit it makes me a little sad every time some commentator talks about how this team will “need an adjustment period” or “have to work through the kinks” or “figure out how to play together.” Despite the injuries, we’d really built something last year with the three bigs lineup. Working Sexton back in and incorporating Agbaji felt like much smaller lifts than reorganizing around the DG-DM duo without the known commodity of Lauri… Read more »
Everything is a gamble.
I think Mitchell is a real good one.
I think one thing to remember is that the core of the team is very young: DG is 22 and Mobley is 20? We got at least five more years before we actually know who they are LMFAO One thing that’s guaranteed with young players: inconsistency.
thnx for the update!
overall, things are looking better every day!
You’re welcome as always Raoul!
THANK YOUCLF—NICE JOB—–HAVE BEEN “IN YOUR CORNER ” WITH CARIS ALL ALONG /// JUST THINK THERE WAS TOO MANY VARIABLES LAST SEASON TO GET A TRUE ‘READ ‘ ON HIM—-NOT TOO CONCERNED WITH JA// —IT IS PRE SEASON AND HIS RUNNING MATE MOBES HASN’T PLAYED YET —-DIAKITE ( FLY A KITE ) SHOULD MAKE THE ROSTER// ESPECIALLY WITH THE RECENT NEWS ON WINDLER MISSING ALL OF PRESEASON —WINDLER MIGHT HAVE TO PURSUE A PGA CAREER// EUROPEAN CAREER —–SPIDA// DG STILL ” FIGURING ” IT OUT —NOT TO PANIC
Thanks NOMAD! yup, sad news about Windler for sure.
Good wrap-up.
I just think a little too much passivity. Mitchell does not want to hog the ball on his new team, and DG is more of a creator/true PG at heart than a scorer. It will be a process.
I thought Allen played pretty good D on the perimeter.
I don’t much much stock in the advanced stats with such a small sample size.
Thanks Jason as always!