• Changing RCF's index page, please click on "Forums" to access the forums.

2023-24 Playoff Series #1 | Game #6 | Cavs @ Magic | May 3, 2024

Do Not Sell My Personal Information
W

Wham with the Right Hand

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Oct 3, 2019
Messages
10,298
Reaction score
29,542
Points
135
It's May and we have NBA basketball! Back to Orlando for Game 6 and this time the Magic will be prepared to play the Cavs without Jarrett Allen, who I assume will still be out even though the Cavs are calling it "questionable". At this point the Cavaliers can’t even say if he will play in Game 7 on Sunday.

The Cavs kept Allen’s injury a secret until the last minute on Tuesday, but the cat is out of the bag and not only will the Magic be at home where they have dominated both games but they will be prepared for a different offensive game plan with Allen out and Marcus Morris Sr taking Niang’s spot off the bench.

There’s no reason to be optimistic about this game except perhaps the fact that the Cavs beat Orlando 126-99 in this building in January with Garland, Mobley, and LeVert out. They were playing with one big and four 3-point shooters which is how they’re be playing tonight.

The Cavs hit 20 of 38 three point attempts in their only win in Orlando this year and that’s what it will take to win Game 6. The problem is that Merrill and Wade hit 11 of those 3’s in January and I can’t see that happening tonight. Wade is out and the Magic have not let Merrill make a 3 in the post-season except for Game 3 garbage time. They’ve seen what he can do if left unattended.

The Magic had the third best home record in the NBA and it showed in Games 3 and 4. These guys feel very comfortable at home and their play reflects it. It’s going to take another huge 3-point game from the Cavs to finish the series here; with Allen out the Cavs are much smaller and won’t be able to compete unless they can use the 3-point shot as an equalizer. Not likely, as the Cavs are shooting just 28.7% from deep in five games.

The Magic have a lot of length and contest 3’s well. Orlando was tied for 6th in opponent 3-point percentage during the regular season.

Game 7 is Sunday so there is only one day off between games this time. It wouldn’t surprise me if JBB benched his starters early if the score is getting out of hand again.
 
I don't expect Jarrett Allen to play tonight, nor should he. Save it for Sunday.

By the way, in addition to tonight's game airing nationally on ESPN, locally it is also noteworthy because tonight is potentially the last live Cavs game that will ever be broadcast on Bally's, as the Cavs are able to get out of their contract this summer.

(Game 7 and playoff games in future rounds are national TV only.)
 
“It’s just about leading, man,” [Marcus] Morris said Tuesday of his effect on Game 5. “... The last two games we played, when it got a little bumpy, we went opposite directions. I thought that me being out there (I) was able to bring guys together and continue to talk to them through the situations we had. Everybody stayed poised through some big shots that they made, and I think it showed.”

I think that if the Cavs win this series Morris will be a big part of it.
 
What is Wade’s injury? I’ve never gotten that.
 
Can Niang do a Buddy Hield.

He can.

Will he?

Who knows.

This is a fascinating series because both teams are learning about how to play in the playoffs. We had no clue last year and Orlando is new. Game 5 was a step forward for us but Orlando had improved more than we have so we must step it up.

Our starting lineup that won all those games included Wade who is out, Allen who might be out and Mitchell who is clearly not 100%. Garland and Mobley stepped up.

This game is a HUGE opportunity for Garland and Mobley. If they show out tonight and we win it’s just a massive confidence boost. More importantly, it does the opposite of last year because a big win for those two erases everything negative from them this year. That’s how it goes in the playoffs.

But we need ALL our guys to step up. Going into Orlando will be brutal. Stout hearts required.

There are only ten teams left in the playoffs. We’re in this. Lots of HoF players are in Galveston. The Yoots are taking over. Let’s stay in this party.
 
Is it true the Celtics vs Cavs/Magic series wouldn't start until next Saturday? That's crazy long of a wait.
 
In Game 4 the Cavs led 60-51 at halftime and then collapsed in the 3rd quarter. They need to look at the first half film and try to replicate that, only for the entire game. However, Allen played that game.

The 126-99 win in Orlando in January could be a model because Mobley was out and the Cavs had to play the entire game with one big like the probably will tonight. That was the game Sam Merrill went 8-for-11 on 3's. That won't happen again, but if Strus, Garland, Mitchell, Okoro, Morris, and LeVert can all hit around 45% of their 3's in the same game there's a shot.

It's tough to have a huge 3-point night on the road, but the Cavs did it in this building in January playing with one big. I doubt lightning strikes twice, but it's probably their only chance. I don't think they can beat Orlando attacking the rim against all that length.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Rubber Rim Job Podcast Video

Episode 3-15: "Cavs Survive and Advance"

Rubber Rim Job Podcast Spotify

Episode 3:15: Cavs Survive and Advance
Top