Recap: Magic 96, Cavs 107 (or, TCB)

The Cavs put forth three quarters of elite defense and coasted in the fourth quarter to defeat the Orlando Magic 107-96 as the Cavs embark upon a soft part of their schedule before the Christmas/New Year holidays. Here’s some thoughts about last night…

1. Donovan Mitchell setting the tone

Spida led the Cavs especially in the first half with his MVP-caliber play putting up 34 points on only 21 shots, sprinkling in a couple of rebounds and stocks, and the Cavs posting a +10 net rating in his 37 minutes. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said Donovan Mitchell’s performance was in a word, “domination.” Ironically, the only thing Spida could think about post-game was his 0-5 fourth quarter shooting and five turnovers. Spida’s self-awareness and holding himself accountable has to be music to the coaches’ ears. Also Spida mentioned how the change of scenery from Utah to Ohio has re-invigorated his joy for the game. Expect Spida to continue to add to his MVP-caliber résumé.

2. Evan Mobley going to the next level

Mobley has been a different level of absurd over this stretch as well.

18.3 PPG, 12.3 REB, 2.3 AST, 1.5 BLK

69.6 FG%, 37.5 3P%

Cavs also have had a 99.6 DRTG and +11.1 NET RTG with him on the court.

— Justin Rowan (@Cavsanada) December 3, 2022

Evan Mobley put in another MVP-level performance last night with 19 points on 10 shots, 13 rebounds, four assists, three stocks, and the Cavs posted a +23.3 net rating in Mobley’s 38 minutes of action. In fact, one might argue he deserved a lot more usage on the offensive end, but that failure wasn’t a fatal thing. In spite of some opinions to the contrary, Mobley looks very comfortable at the center position especially offensively and is completely capable of guarding the best centers in the NBA as he did a few nights ago against Joel Embiid. The next step in the process of this Cavs team is to get Tower City rolling, which has been very underwhelming thus far this year:

3. GIVE ME DIAKITE OR GIVE ME DEATH

The Mamadi Diakite Agenda has only gained steam after last night’s performance from one of the best underdog stories of the season. Diakite registered the highest net rating of any player last night, posting a +47.2 in his 12 minutes on the court, which included that dominant defensive third quarter when Diakite replaced the injured Dean Wade. Why Coach Bickerstaff only gave Diakite 12 minutes of run is something for which J.B. should have to answer, especially given the obvious struggles of Robin Lopez and Isaac Okoro last night. Every time Diakite has touched the court this season, the Cavs perform like a championship team especially on the defensive end. Rise up Commentariat and flood the phone lines/airwaves/internet ether with pro-Diakite propaganda, with CtB’s omnipotent influence Diakite’s power will only grow!

4. Nitpicks and quibbles

The Cavs were outrebounded by seven and gave up 11 offensive rebounds, which was partly Coach Bickerstaff’s fault for insisting upon RoLo and Okoro minutes instead of Lamar Stevens, Diakite, and even NBA Champion Kevin Love. It’s endearing how J.B. sticks with players through ups and downs, but somewhere along the line production has to matter. RoLo has the same defensive rebound rate as Darius Garland (6%), and Isaac Okoro is still in the bottom quartile of NBA players in defensive rebounding. Diakite and Stevens have proven themselves to be better rebounders so far this season and deserve more leash than they’re getting.

5. On the bright side…

J.B. used a legit 10.5 man rotation, praise the basketball gods!!! Also, Cavs covered the 10.5 points spread and as yours truly is fond of saying, “GREAT TEAMS COVER!”

6. Quick note on the Magic

My goodness Paolo Banchero is an absolute stud. He looks like the Rookie of the Year easily. The Wagner brothers acquitted themselves as did former top pick Markelle Fultz. Bol Bol SUCKS GET HIM OFF MY TV SCREEN (shoutout to Evil Genius!). Godspeed on their way to Wembanyama or Henderson!

7. Next up, the Big Apple

The Cavs will traverse to the Big Apple to take on the downtrodden Knicks who just took an ugly loss against the Dallas Mavericks this afternoon. The Cavs have a golden opportunity to steal one on the road, which they’ve struggled to do given their sub-.500 road record. Until then, Go Cavs!

BONUS: FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE…