How did they not die, after giving up a 17-point lead?
Maybe they're learning how to win the close ones.
Amazing win over a team that was 15-4 at home and second in the West. Austin Carr said the Nuggets were asleep, but they woke up in the 4th quarter when they were behind 85-71. They went on a 17-2 run to take the lead and it looked like another typical Cavs 4th quarter collapse. But then Cedi hit a huge corner 3 off a nice feed by Love to get the lead back and amazingly the Cavs pulled away from there to win by 8. Very atypical of what we've been seeing from them.
Beating Denver on the road is incredible, but especially without Nance, Porter and Exum. By the way, John Henson was a DNP-coach's decision which was surprising especially with Nance out. But Beilein is going with Zizic and McKinnie on the front line when he goes to his bench. I'm wondering if he was told not to play Henson because they're about to trade him.
The Cavs were fortunate that the Nuggets had a bad night from long range, hitting just 8 of 39 three-point attempts. Normally as a 35% team they would hit 13 of 39, so they left 15 points on the court due to bad shooting. Hey, we'll take whatever we can get.
Every player contributed. Love had 19 points and 15 boards, almost all in the first half. He kind of disappeared after halftime but we still won. Cedi had 11 points and 12 boards with 4 assists and a team high +18. TT didn't get 35 and 14 like on Thursday, but he had 18 and 13 which we'll take any day. Sexton had 25 points and was a +13 but somebody is going to complain that he only had one assist. Garland is really coming along with 18 points and 8 assists. His improvement recently has been dramatic. He looks relaxed and confident.
Brandon Knight had 18 minutes to Delly's 6. It looks like Beilein is starting to sour a bit on Delly. Or has he been told to showcase Knight for a potential trade?
It's nice to see guys who were rotting on the bench like Knight, McKinnie and Zizic get to play meaningful minutes and contribute. McKinnie had a huge offensive rebound and put-back and he gives us some defensive length on the perimeter.
Back-to-back wins on the road. Never thought I'd see it this year.
