Even despite the fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers were without forwards Lauri Markkanen, Issac Okoro, and Kevin Love, the team’s big men found a way to come up big in crunch time in Wednesday night’s 107-104 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
For the second consecutive game, the Cavs had a balanced attack on offense (six of the eight Cavaliers scored in double figures) led by big man Jarrett Allen with a team-high 24 points and 17 rebounds.
While Allen made his presence felt on the offensive end, it was his defensive stop on Portland superstar guard Damian Lillard on the final possession of the game that really stood out. In a situation where Lillard has become synonymous with game-winning buckets, the Cavaliers put the clamps on him.
Not to be outdone, Cavaliers rookie big man Evan Mobley gave Lillard the same treatment as Trae Young when the superstar attacked the paint late for the Trail Blazers.
The Cavs showed on Wednesday night that this team means business, and is not going to rollover for opponents when they step onto the court…
Sexland Shines
While the big men deserve to get their recognition for their roles in the Cavs win Wednesday, make sure you save enough to give to Cavaliers backcourt tandem of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton.
The duo showcased their skills on Wednesday, with Garland showing off his range from deep and Sexton utilizing his speed in transition to get some easy layups.
Getting both Sexton and Garland going offensively will be key for the team to take the leap offensively, both of which combined for 40 of the Cavaliers 107 points on Wednesday night.
While Wednesday’s win might be one of 82 on the long schedule of the NBA, it’s safe to say that the Cavaliers are finally turning the page into the team’s bright future.
