For the second game in a row JBB goes with the three-guard and 2-big lineup of DG, Mitchell, LeVert, Mobley, and Allen down the stretch and it pays off again. It's really tough with Love, Okoro, or Stevens on the floor. Cedi reappeared and had 14 points in 21 minutes which was much needed. Love and Okoro were of no use.
LeVert had 12 points and 7 big rebounds off the bench for a +17 in 26 minutes. He contributes on both ends of the floor, on the glass, and assists.
Mitchell was extraordinary, especially the way he led the team to a win in the 4th. With 9:05 to go they were down 103-90 but behind Mitchell, Garland, and LeVert and some great defense by the bigs they finished the game on a 28-9 run.
Mobley had a huge 3-pointer from the corner. Garland had a line of 20/10/6, which is exactly what we need out of him on a nightly basis.
Haliburton and 17 points and 14 assists but was 0-for-8 from deep. The Cavs held the Pacers to 31% from deep while hitting 45% themselves and 50% overall.
Benedict Mathurin was impressive. The #6 pick in this year's draft had 22 points in 29 minutes.
The Cavs' defense was pretty bad as the Pacers had 94 points after three quarters and were getting dribble penetration to the paint and the rim with ease. But the Cavs buckled down in the 4th and held them to 18 points.
Brad Daugherty said the Cavs' best basketball will be in the second half. I keep thinking that as long as Love and Okoro are getting minutes and Stevens is starting we're going to be one man short of being able to compete with the big boys. We need Wade and Rubio.
It's great to see Garland looking like himself again. We could be getting ready to get on a roll.
