Game Thread | 2021-22 Season | Game #5 | Cavs @ Clippers | Oct. 27, 2021

[KevinLoveFan]

3 point stats on Basketball Reference updated. We're second to last (28%), still nowhere near as bad as the Pistons (22%). But as others have stated, Lauri and the others will probably find the 3 ball in time given their historical stats. I mean, we're just five games into the season. One good shooting night would elevate us several spots. OKC jumped four spots already after one good team shooting game last night.

2021-22 NBA Season Summary | Basketball-Reference.com

Checkout the latest 2021-22 NBA Season Summary including Shooting Stats, Advanced Stats, Conference and Division Standings, Awards, Leagues and more on Basketball-Reference.com

www.basketball-reference.com

 

[KilgoreTrout]

About to hop on the train to head downtown and see the Cavs live! Woo!

When I lived in LA (in the 90s), I DREAMED of taking a train downtown, but no such train EXISTED. It’s changed a lot in the 22 years since I left, LA has.

 

[Lee]

I’ll say it out loud - Stevens gives us as much as Okoro at the SF. He’s bigger, stronger, more relentless, finishes at the rim as well, and rebounds much better. Neither can shoot, pass, or handle. Okoro could be hurt all year and Stevens could step in and it wouldn’t change the outcomes of many games.

Okoro is better. He is a better passer, driver and even defensively. Okoro is also 4 years younger.

But there isnt a huge difference right now between what Stevens gives us and what Okoro gives us. So i dont entirely disagree, but the 4 year age difference is huge and the fact Okoro is the better player right now.

 

[Dr No]

Okoro is better. He is a better passer, drive and even defensive. Okoro is 4 years younger.

But there isnt a huge difference right now between what Stevens gives us and what Okoro gives us. So i dont entirely disagree, but the 4 year age difference is huge and the fact Okoro is the better player right now.

People keep talking about Okoro's passing and driving. I just don't see much of it. He can dribble in a straight line to the rim and dunk, that's about it. In tons of minutes, how many times has he broken down a defense and dished? Creatively gotten to the basket or created his own shot? Expertly led the break? He can stand on the perimeter and reverse the ball quite well. Yes, he's young, but he's played 2,300 minutes of regular season NBA basketball. Stevens' averages per are a little lower in assists, but he is better in steals, blocks, and more than double in rebounds. I think they are a wash at this point. They give us about the same on offense (basically nothing), with Stevens having a better chance at defending tall wings and Okoro better at checking smaller guys.

 

[Lee]

People keep talking about Okoro's passing and driving. I just don't see much of it. He can dribble in a straight line to the rim and dunk, that's about it. In tons of minutes, how many times has he broken down a defense and dished? Creatively gotten to the basket or created his own shot? Expertly led the break? He can stand on the perimeter and reverse the ball quite well. Yes, he's young, but he's played 2,300 minutes of regular season NBA basketball. Stevens' averages per are a little lower in assists, but he is better in steals, blocks, and more than double in rebounds. I think they are a wash at this point. They give us about the same on offense (basically nothing), with Stevens having a better chance at defending tall wings and Okoro better at checking smaller guys.

He is very athletic and can drive, he is still timid on offense.

He is an ok passer for a 2/3, but Stevens is an awful passer, he played pf in college and has very few wing tools.

Okoro and Stevens are about the same size, Stevens is a bit stronger because of age, but he isnt better at guarding taller guys. But I like Stevens I think we should keep him around for years as a vet min guy. I find Stevens to have a use on the end of the bench when needed. He plays hard and a very smart and tough defender.

 

[Prof123]

I think you all are being too pessimistic about this Cavalier's team. It seems you think you are going out on a limb by predicting they can win 33 games! We are two 4th quarter melt downs away from being 5-0 with a tough opening schedule. Moreover, folding in the 4th quarter is something we fixed in games 3 through 5. I understand the hesitancy to get excited about Cleveland teams due to our history of having expectations dashed. But I don't see how any objective observe who only watched the games played this season, who knew nothing about the past, wouldn't put the Cavs in the top half of the league based on how they are playing right now.

I keep reading how expectations need to be kept low because we are so young. On the contrary, my expectations are high due to this youth, because their improvement is going to be rapid. Mobley has only played five games and he is already an elite defender. Markkanen has surprised all of us with his defense, but he hasn't started shooting well yet, and that is his best asset. He is still getting comfortable in a new position. Sexton, Garland, and Okoro seem to know and accept their roles (easier to do when we are winning). Allen is playing like an all-star.

Other than Mobley, though, the biggest difference is the steady presence of Rubio and the resurgence of Love. Those two have seen it all in the NBA and their influence on the youngsters cannot be overstated. Together they can give us 50 very valuable minutes per night.

I don't see the 3-point shooting woes continuing. Love and Markkanen are proven shooters. If Windler can ever get healthy, we've seen what he can do. (Give him 12-15 minutes per night and keep Osman on the bench.) Garland is an excellent 3-point shooter and I think our big men are good enough passers to find him. I'd like to see Okoro and Sexton each improve by about 10% -- that would transform the team.

All this to say ... 40+ wins for the Cavs and a playoff spot.

It is very interesting to look back on our comments from early in the season. Here I thought I was being bold (and I was) by projecting the Cavs to win over 40 games and make the playoffs! It would have been unfathomable to think that we would lose Sexton and Rubio for the season, and Mark' for more than a month, and still be where we are now. Forget my early "bold" prediction: The goal now is 50+ wins, home court advantage, and advancing at least one round.

 

[ChicagoCavFan]