Game Thread | 2021-2022 Season | Game #46 | Cavs @ Bulls | Jan. 19, 2022 | 8:00 p.m.

InBoobieWeTrust said:

Im actually not impressed with the Bulls at all and think theyre going down in round 2. Round 1 if its vs us.

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I thought they were really good when fully healthy.

They held the press there for a while. Defenders flying around and running the break.

Sir'Dom Pointer said:

At least Mobley showed out. He could have done so much more if he was allowed to.

I'm happy Garland and Mobley are good. The rest doesn't matter yet.

JBB is a temporary annoyance. Serenity show me the way. I'm mindful and calm.

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Serenity isn't the name of someone that you're... Uhhh never mind, that was a different game ;p

Seriously, I'm with ya. I do think these things add up to something, but ultimately this was a regular season game lost with some of the same frustrations that are seen throughout other losses. The good news is that this team is capable of REALLY clicking. Which also exacerbates some things, but really the criticisms are all good. It stems from a love and knowledge of bball and that's gonna come out no matter the team's situation! One of the things I love about the forum.

I'm thinking JB takes some onus on the result in the postgame and I hope he can recognize some patterns. Not every situation is the same, but there are some tune ups to be done for sure. The entire staff can collaborate and can come up with various counters/methods, but I'm thinking most of the focus has been on establishing the identity of the team. The Cavs do run different actions. They do target exploits (they love those post seal free throws/fouls for example. They were getting adept at attacking zone coverage with Mobley in the high post middle position. By the way, I'm still missing Ricky just thinking about this kinda stuff...). But they can also miss it for stretches. In a playoff scenerio... They have a bank of experience to draw from and hopefully the recognition clicks quickly.

With that said, this team has also been pretty damn good and consistent this year. I think the wins magnifies these calls/lineups in these situations, which ultimately is a good thing for everyone going forward. Playoff basketball is all about this kinda stuff.

I definitely still wanted the Cavs to get this win tonight. Thought they had a good opportunity.

Alas, wasn't met to be. On to the next!

Also... For some other good news, Lauri played really well which was awesome to see. Especially given the circumstances for him.

Seems like we do the job well enough ourselves to not enjoy the season.

This place stays hilarious after 1 loss.

PIP said:

Hate all you want about scheme…. Fact is Allen & Mobley played soft inside against a skilled big man…

Until Mobley takes those 5 worthless ‘fall to me’ rebounds a night and turns them into 12-14 ‘I’m beginning to rebound like a 7ft star big man’— the team will have to find other ways to win…

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That's a weird take on the game.

Rich said:

He was open on that last 3 because Markennen crashed down hard to help on the DeRozan drive.

It's just what happens when a good offensive player becomes unstoppable. You overplay them and the best ones will find open guys.

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Good observation. I played center and forward and I always left my man to get the man with the ball.

Of course, I was in an amateur league and these guys are pros.

PIP said:

Hate all you want about scheme…. Fact is Allen & Mobley played soft inside against a skilled big man…

Until Mobley takes those 5 worthless ‘fall to me’ rebounds a night and turns them into 12-14 ‘I’m beginning to rebound like a 7ft star big man’— the team will have to find other ways to win…

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KG didn't average double figures rebounds until his 4th season (3+ORb) and that's because his body wasn't filled out. Much like Mobley. Give him 3 seasons and see if he reaches 8-9 at least.

Jscc said:

That's a weird take on the game.

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Did the Cavs win ?
Did the front court play well on both ends ?
Did Mobley rebound the ball ?

Real Deal said:

I thought they were really good when fully healthy.

They held the press there for a while. Defenders flying around and running the break.

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They struck gold with Dosunmu. This game was not an outlier. He’s had a bunch of games like this lately. Caruso had massive early season impact and is just now returning to the lineup.

And they have Ball, LaVine waiting in the wings and Pat Williams a develop two way player coming back next year.

I don’t know why people continue to completely disrespect their leap from last year.

Dr. Claw said:

Destroyed by Dosunmu and DeRozan.
Lauri's best game since joining the Cavs.
Defense was the worst it's been all season, looked like the Golden State game with the same margin of loss.

Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers.

You can't coach your way out of missing wide open 3s and not having a second creator on the wing.

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I don't think our defense was the worst this season. The turnovers led to easy baskets.

But you're right--we weren't consistently good. We looked tired.

Difference was they were very efficient off of Cavs turnovers scoring 28 points on 14 turnovers generated. Cavs only turned them over 9 times for 8 points. Alex Caruso isn’t much of an offensive player but it’s clear the Bulls missed him and played with an edge after losing 4 straight games.

I’m just glad DG is okay cause I was worried. FO definetely needs to find an offensively potent backcourt mate that can play alongside DG. Glad Lauri played well against his former team. Cavs have 3 homes games coming up so hope they can start another streak!

Real Deal said:

I'm willing to let him fully develop. There's way too much untapped potential there.

If I'm blown away, I'll trade him. But I don't think teams will line up blowing us away.

Can't offer Okoro for guys like Hield, Barnes, and Caris

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What untapped potential do you see? Guys like Okoro don’t improve their handles and feel for the game. They maybe can improve their shooting and that’s it.

BimboColesHair said:

Seems like we do the job well enough ourselves to not enjoy the season.

This place stays hilarious after 1 loss.

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All I'm saying is you better create the Lakers @ Cavs thread because a bimbocoleshair gamethread never disappoints.

Futuredome said:

I always favored a 72 game season. Gets rid of 10 useless games.
Tonights questions:
1.Will Mobley's struggles continue on???

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Improved some areas, struggling to rebound again

Futuredome said:

2.Will Garland finally crash on playmaking. His struggles shooting are well known. Might be tired legs.
3.Will Okoro burst for points now that he is getting back in the saddle again????I

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Nope

Futuredome said:

4.Will Osman have a big 3 point shooting night???nope

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Nope

Futuredome said:

5.Will Rondo play????nope

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Nope
same string areas of his game, shooting struggles. Needs a rest: Garland

jjvors said:

I don't think our defense was the worst this season. The turnovers led to easy baskets.

But you're right--we weren't consistently good. We looked tired.

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Cavs weren't able to stop straight up drives to the basket. That was mainly because JBB opted to play Mobley with first Allen on the bench and then he wanted to play Allen more with Mobley on the bench. Weird choices.

Real Deal said:

KG didn't average double figures rebounds until his 4th season (3+ORb) and that's because his body wasn't filled out. Much like Mobley. Give him 3 seasons and see if he reaches 8-9 at least.

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Which is perfectly fine and I’m willing to be patient.

Timberwolves we’re not in a position to have the top seed in their conference in Garnett’s rookie year, 2nd year or 3rd year however…They were playing for that 7th & 8th seed…

Mobley is losing out on effort boards… Let’s get him focusing on rebounds and continuing his defense as oppose to handling on the wing…cause that’s way more effective for this team