Podcast 289: Lookin New York City, Feelin Northeast Ohio
2023-04-11Forgive us for stealing from Soundgarden, but instead of looking California and feeling Minnesota like most of the NBA is before tonight’s Lakers/Wolves matchup, we dove deep on the Cavs’ season and the pending matchup between the Knicks and the Cavs.
Chris, Eli, and I cracked the seal on the podcast booth – dusty from almost two months of disuse – and talked Cavs and the Association till we were loooong in the tooth. First we reviewed our (very prescient) pre-season predictions about the Cavs’ win/loss record, then took our victory laps about things we were right about and things that surprised us. Next up, we reviewed the last two Cavs’ games which were meaningless in terms of standings, but might inform some rotations and tactics in the playoffs.
After that, we got in an Empire State of mind to review the Cavs’ daunting task against the Knicks. The Cavs are one of the weakest defensive rebounding teams, and New York is one of the best offensive rebounding teams. That discussion loomed large as we all picked a close series, with a lot of x-factors in play: rebounding, officiating, rotations, shooting, health (Okoro’s and Randle’s), RJ Barrett, Evan Mobley, Young Thibs, Old Thibs, and home court advantage. There was a lot to unpack, but one thing was clear: we all wanted to see less Lamar and more Dean and Cedi, as the Cavs’ simply must improve their three-point proclivity in the playoffs. It all led to one question with surprising answers: how many games does J.B. Bickerstaff have to win to keep his job?
After that the guys went through the other play-in and playoff series, handed out their post-season awards, and by the time we were done, it was midnight.
Finally, Thanks to our friends at FOCO (Forever Collectibles) for sending us some Cavs gear and this unique Bobblehead featuring Donovan Mitchell in the City Edition Jersey! For any sports fan looking for unique collectibles, check these guys out!
Shoutout to our friends at @FOCOusa who have put together this amazing Donovan Mitchell bobblehead that has just released today!
Use the link below to check out the amazing collectibles they have! https://t.co/PqSys08kRP pic.twitter.com/yyWJSyvkjH
— Cavs:TheBlog (@CavsTheTweets) March 17, 2023
Listen below, download the full audio file, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, or Spotify.
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preview/LT up
Hollinger picks the Knicks in 7
he’s beyond washed.
The Sixers have the easiest of first round series. Hope Boston smokes them in the 2nd series.
Go Cavs!
LOVE THE CAVS AND ALL YOU CTB BROS. — 5 YEAR OLD GRANDAUGHTER DANCE RECITAL TONIGHT. GUESS WHERE I WILL BE —- IT WAS A VERY EASY CHOICE TO MAKE AND IF I MADE “ THE OTHER CHOICE “ THERE WOULD BE NO MORE NOMAD GO CAVS MIGHT BE ABLE TO CATCH THE LAST QTR WHEN WE HAVE A BIG ENOUGH LEAD TO EVEN PLAY “ ROL-O -VER “ 👍🤪🍺
It’s really remarkable how much I dislike watching this Sixers team play at basketball…
This SGA foul hunting sucks. Anti-basketball
Very cool that two Cleveland Charge players were named to the G-League “all-NBA” team..
Sharife Cooper on the 2nd team
Isaiah Mobley on the 3rd team
https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/1646581530653851648?s=20
Love what Evan brings on defense, always special to watch and respect.
We can go far with two top defenders at the rim!
Jalen rose is… The worst.
What an absolute garbage call on that three against Caruso.
Yeah, if that crap is a foul, what is literally every freaking contact in the paint? So tired of it.
Total flop. Smh
But Bulls couldnt buy a bucket since being up 82-76 at the 7 min mark.. 26-9 run by Miami to end the game and win..
so they lost the game before that foul on the 3 pointer.
As good as Levine was last game, he’s been stone cold tonight…
Man, these play-in games have all been good…
hmm Kevin Love looking useful in a big game, haters in piss and shit
Lol. I mean that seems a bit excessive, but I’ll allow it.
Kev with big minutes.
Everyone on the TNT crew picks Cleveland over New York except Kenny, and I’m not surprised.
A random observation from the last game against the Knicks: I’m not sure whether there is any cause or effect here, but just about the only time Brunson missed a couple of shots was when Neto was guarding him. I wonder whether we’ll see him at all.
What are everyone’s thoughts on Rubio being in the playoff rotation? As much as it hurts, I’d say he should be outside of it for now. LeVert, Wade, and Osman are the regulars off the bench. Give Green a try if Cedi isn’t hitting any shots. If Bruson goes en fuego, give Neto a few minutes on him.
I’m fine with it… secondary ballhandlers and decisionmakers become more important in the playoffs. Plus he’s one of the few grizzled vets in the rotation. What’s ridiculous is the rumor that Stevens will see run ahead of Wade, Cedi, or Neto.
Okoro looks night and day different from the video a few days ago… look like he’ll be good to go:
When from bricking more than 50% of his practice shots to making something close to 70-80% of his practice shots.
Actually the video Fedor first posted was from last week, this was earlier in the week, you can see the progression:
Things I think we will see vs. the Knicks: The Brunson Game The Randall Game Every game will be the Mitchell Game With more time on the floor I think we’ll see some increased numbers for Jarret Allen, like a game with 18 rebounds. I’m hopeful that Caris will have a game where his 3-ball is really dropping. I wonder if Garland can get his outside shot back to where it was in the beginning of the year. I remember watching those October pre-season games and he would hit the center of the center of the basket from 30 feet.… Read more »
So much uncertainty in my mind this time around compared to the Second Lebron Era, where my only playoff concern was having enough beer in the fridge during the Cavs’ inexorable march to the Finals, with an obligatory drubbing of the Raptors thrown in.
I’m cautiously optimistic.
I think it’s going to be a really really fun series. Hoping to see Donovan go supernova at least a couple times and finish them off. Regardless of outcome, this should be instrumental in DG, Mobes, and Isaac’s growth.
I agree.. I so want them to at minimum win this first round series.
I totally understand with Lebron, it’s like we always knew we had a chance to beat anyone despite our ranking in the standings and who was on the team.
haha! I recall listening to an early LeBron era game on the radio with a great comeback. Joe Tate sez something like: “with LeBron, you are never out of a game”.
https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/features-stevens-playoff-blog-230414?fbclid=IwAR350sRJ5oMxo1gGKyJtr5a4W2qrlGiWzzU3INBCIbfpNTlAMTHjzspw9hQ
Lamar has a playoff blog:
Our mindset this is year is completely different than last year at this time. Last year, we were just trying to get in it. And this year, we’re tying to win it. We’re trying to win it all.
If you guys want to gamethread, there already is a Discord called FearTheDiscord and it’s run by Wooster. Here is a link.
https://discord.gg/USRqTcQJGT
Lol I joined and was like .. this ain’t CTB…
It would appear that this year is the Bucks best and last chance for a chip.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Just a wild thought…. In thinking of coming to the US to watch Game 2 on Tuesday:. Any suggestions on best ticket sites to avoid large additional fees ?
I saw a row 4 seat for about $600 with an additional $152 in fees.. crazy..
where you coming from?
Eastern Caribbean.
cool!
It’s gonna be crazy now. Seat Geek probably cheapest. Shoulda let us know sooner. I know a guy.
4th row seat would be amazing (duh), but I’d be happy even grabbing some nose-bleed seats. That place is going to be going absolutely nuts, should be a blast no matter where you wind up.
I’m also thinking like do I wait for a game 5 at home or game 7 or a 2nd round home game or just push to attend this game 2.
That’s tricky if you’re traveling for it. For all you know the Cavs could sweep (or get swept). I think it’s going to be a blast no matter what…
From Zach Lowe on ESPN.com Lowe: Luka or Spida? SGA or Steph? Jrue or Dame? Naming the 2022-23 All-NBA, All-Defense and All-Rookie teams • The first team was easy-ish; four of the five players on my MVP ballot, plus another (Gilgeous-Alexander) who just missed out. Doncic had the second first-team guard spot until the Mavericks disintegrated into an unforgettable embarrassment. Doncic is better than Mitchell. Doncic had a better offensive season, though Mitchell matched Doncic’s shooting efficiency. (Mitchell also stole two games by committing lane violations on his own intentional missed free throws; he deserves some separate honor for that.)… Read more »
CTB staff.. I love the blog and the live thread, but really wish we had a chat room where responses are more instant and not that I have to refresh the page sometimes to see new comments.
As we embark on this playoff journey, and future intense games in the future… that would be great to make engagement easier.
Cavs The Discord.
Was just gonna suggest that.
Or Cavs the slack.
All for it.. I don’t watch a Cavs game without tuning in on the live thread.
Have always thought that re live thread, but I guess I’ve adapted. I’m out of touch on wordpress widgets these days, maybe worth a look Nate?
Probably worth a look. See if I can get something together b4 Saturday.
No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 New York Knicks Scout’s outlook: “I think a lot of this series depends on Julius Randle. Is he really going to be at full strength? I guess they’re not even sure he’s going to be back, but even if he does come back, he probably won’t be, at least initially, at full strength. … They absolutely need him to be at peak level. … Can Jalen Brunson really carry the load in the absence of a fully functioning Randle? … “You’ve got Jarrett Allen there and you’ve got Evan Mobley there (for the… Read more »
Coach’s outlook: “(This is) probably one of the most interesting first-round matchups. Bigs are back in business in this series. New York plays two bigs, (Julius) Randle and Mitchell (Robinson). And Cleveland plays its two bigs; they start big in (Jarrett) Allen and (Evan) Mobley, so it’s kind of a throwback series.”
Executive’s outlook: “Cleveland. I love their rim protection, with their four/five combination. Both (players) protect the rim. (Third-year Cavs wing Isaac) Okoro (who missed the last six games of the regular season with a back problem) — they’re gonna miss him, because they need that other defender, that real tough, hard-nosed defender. “But (Cleveland) has a really good frontline and an All-Star backcourt offensively. I think that’s a good combination. I have respect for New York. It’s not that the Knicks can’t win the series — they could. But I like Cleveland. The only reason I’d give New York a… Read more »
The Athletic picks for Cavs v Knicks:
Scout’s pick: Cavaliers in six
Coach’s pick: Cavaliers in six
Executive’s pick: Cavaliers in seven
Unanimous pick: Cavaliers
Fedor believes that JB’s rotation will be the starters plus Rubio and LeVert. And the 8th player will be situational.
That’s terrible. Wade has to play for rebounding who the hell is playing backup big? That makes no sense against this team.
He said if they need rebounding they’ll play Wade. Defense then Llama. Shooting Cedi/Green.
Of course this is just his opinion, so he could be completely off.
Lol. Trusting JB to recognize these needs scares me.
Defense then Lamar??? LMFAOOO Wade is by far a better defender, hopefully this is just Fedor talking out of his ass.
He sounds like a robot.
agree with Nate
Sounds like Randall may not be available for the first couple of games.
Nice article on lineup stats:
https://www.theringer.com/2023/4/13/23681148/2023-nba-playoff-preview-how-to-use-and-not-use-lineup-data
Suggestion to compare like-to-like for player counts and sample size is strong.
A couple months ago, Sweetchi commented, I would really love to see the our record when having a 10+ lead in the 1st half or middle third. After some delay, I’ve now had a chance to use the nba_api package in python to get those stats . . . When the Cavs held a 10+-point lead at any point in the game prior to the 6-minute mark of the third quarter this season, their record was: 23 wins, 3 losses at home 14 wins, 7 losses on the road The three home losses were to Miami on Jan. 31, Philly… Read more »
Well that’s certainly encouraging!
Oh wow, glad you were able to find that stat out… definitely encouraging and shows how much we need to grow on the road..
23 / 3 = 83% at home
14/7 = 66.7% on the road..
And probably a few of those losses are close games in crutch time..
Once we become a better road team, we will be tough to beat..
That’s what worry me the most about the Cavs, their record on the road, especially when playing good for 2.5-3 quarters and not closing well.
Can’t wait until Saturday !!
Things Nate was right about episode 387: Josh Giddey
Big deal down there, Simmo?
For the real hoopers, yes.
Sadly, Aussies are spoonfed NBA content and aren’t particularly aware of emerging talent. They know talent when the player in question makes the finals, or is the #1 draft pick.
The good news is the number of people wearing Simmons jerseys here is declining. My joy here is tempered by the fact that there are more GSW / Curry fans here than ever.
yup. do you think he is the second best player in the 21 draft class?
Right now? Yes. Could ultimately be the best. I like the competition.
Giddey with a big game through 3 quarters. 24 pts, 8 assists, 5 rebounds. 20 years old.
I like Giddy’s game.
7 pts, 4 rbs and 1 assist in the 4th.. 1 rbd shy of a triple double… huge game.
Thunder have that many 1st round picks?! Wait what? They’re gonna have insane flexibility the next several years while still competing for meaningful mins in May
https://www.nba.com/news/series-preview-cleveland-cavaliers-4-new-york-knicks-5 Number To Know +5.6 — The Cavs were tied for the league’s fifth-best record, but had the second-best point differential, both on a per-100-possessions (+5.6) and per-game (+5.4) basis. They ranked higher than the Milwaukee Bucks (best record in the league) in both offensive and defensive efficiency and were one of three teams that ranked in the top 10 on both ends of the floor. Statistically, they were a much better team than their record would indicate. The Cavs were 24-21 (10th best) in games that were within five points in the last five minutes, and 27-10 (second best) otherwise, leading the league with 33 double-digit wins.… Read more »
As much as I can’t stand SGA he is really good at getting to the rim. And not on the foul merchant level as Trae Young.
Herb Jones has a funky looking shot. Doesn’t seem to square up.
Always love when the media compliment players for living at the free throw line 😂
If only Hawks lost against Heat. … don’t like none of them.
Insufferable Raptors OUT!
The cRaptors choke big time!
raptors had the cavs number, starting with game 1.. nasty boys.. good thing they choked..
Word!
Goodnight “Nick” Nurse!
DeRozan’s daughter really brining it 😂😂😂
Lol lol 😂
Raptors go 18-36 from the line
JFC…they’re calling that on the shot…I don’t understand why NBA refs are incompetent much of the time…
Yeah, I don’t get that. They got it right on the floor, then talk about it and get it wrong.
Several bad calls down the stretch of that one. Fortunately, I don’t think they decided the outcome.
Donavan should challenge that
Horrible call. I also hate that one official.
DeRozan’s daughter should get the junk yard dog award.
I know right. Her lungs must be tired.
It’s pretty hilarious
Trent Jr laying bricks from 3 tonight
Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
Levine with 37!
Pretty surprised the Bulls came back to take the lead, after almost down by 20.
Turning into a hell of a game.
The Popes Exorcist looks pretty awful 😂
Not really a Lavine fan, but he’s really cooking this second half…has the Bulls back in it mostly by himself on the offensive end…
I seriously dislike the Raptors so would love to see them lose.. but I honestly don’t care for either of those teams.
I agree which I why I want them to annoy and hack on the Bucks.
22 of their 35 points is from Lavine…
And the Bulls cut it to 5
Go Cavs!
The Bulls stink!
Does Jalen Rose wear a wig?
Crazy that Siakum didn’t start playing bball until he was 18, at least that’s the urban legend.