Cleveland Cavaliers Week in Review 12/9-12/16

Analysis

Players, at this point, are just giving up. Tristan Thompson was seen having a verbal altercation with coach John Beilein, and there was of course the rumor that he was losing the locker room. The team is of course young, but it seems as if nobody is trying anymore. They are being outmatched every game, and the Cavs have lost that spark they had at the start of the year that kept them in games. It’s going to be essential for them to find some better chemistry and discipline throughout the season.

Loss at Boston 110-88

A very low scoring game for the Cavs resulted in a 22 point loss to a Celtics team with Gordon Hayward returning. The Celtics starting lineup outscored the Cavs’ 85-45. When the opposing team’s starting lineup almost outscores your entire team, you know it is bad.

Loss vs Houston 116-110

If it weren’t for James Harden, the Cavaliers probably would’ve won this game. But, he is their best player and this would likely be the case in most games if he didn’t play. Cleveland stuck in this game basically the whole game, but they simply couldn’t stop James Harden. He had 55 points on 34 shots, making 20 of those. Kevin Porter Jr. dropped a career high 24 points in the team’s six point loss.

Win at San Antonio 117-109 (OT)

Quite likely the best game that the Cavaliers have played all year came in this overtime win against the Spurs. Cleveland had made a late game resurgence and had an amazing final minute of regulation. Kevin Love forced overtime on a late three to tie the game. The Cavs played very disciplined in this game and only allowed six points in the overtime period. It was their first overtime win and shows some progress within the team.

Loss at Milwaukee 125-108

An attempt to end the Bucks’ winning streak fell short for the Cavs in a 17 point loss. Just a lifeless effort like a lot of recent games have been. They were obviously outmatched but there just wasn’t that effort that you want your young team to play with. No Cavalier scored over 15 points in the loss.

Loss at Toronto 133-113

Sadly our last game of the week was another poor effort. We did see some flashes in this game and the team played okay, but they seemed overwhelmed. Scoring wasn’t necessarily a problem, but they were not good on defense. Pascal Siakam scored 33 and Norman Powell poured in 26. Collin Sexton had a team high 25 points and Darius Garland had 20 points.

There is obviously a ton to build on for Cleveland, but the focus should be getting rid of all the drama. This will stunt progression and lead to less chemistry and wins. Cleveland just needs to continue building week by week.

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