Game Thread | Game #79 | Pacers @ Cavs | April 2, 2023

[MattyIce8]

JB was asked about Okoro being ready for the playoffs and his response was not good…. The Dean Wade start tonight adds even more intrigue.

 

[J_J]

I would have thought LeVert would have gotten it but Mobley also made some key defensive plays and got lot of defensive rebounds.

 

[Dr No]

17-5 this year when he plays 20 minutes or more. How’s that Dr. No!

That’s better!

 

[jjvors]

Caris LeVert being Caris LeVert.

 

[jjvors]

Mobley being a junkyard dog.

 

[jjvors]

Welcome back Jarrett!

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

Playing a bad team with its two best players out it seems like this should have been an easier win, instead of having to come from behind in the 4th.

Great D in that 4th quarter, however, holding them to 18 points. McConnel had a great game with 16 points and 5 assists for a +7 in 19 minutes.

I thought the Cavs' offense should have been better against the league's 29th scoring defense playing without their best defender. But the Pacers were very active and made the effort.

Mobley had 14 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks but he would be so much better if he had any touch from 3-10 feet. He misses so many shots in the short mid-range. But his defense is exceptional.

The Cavs' bench was outscored 41-21. I don't think they have the bench to go far in the playoffs. Rubio is useless. Cedi was -10 in 9 minutes. Stevens had two points, two rebounds, a turnover, and a foul in 12 minutes. LeVert was the only bench player who was worth anything.

Mitchell carried the Cavs on his back, scoring 40 points. He was a team high +16, followed by Mobley and Wade at +15. Wade was on the floor at crunch time which surprised me. He made his only 3-point attempt. Glad to see him getting minutes - ideally he's our starting small forward IMO.

Allen was not on the floor at crunch time. I wonder if JBB thinks the Cavs are better without he and Mobley on the floor at the same time. But Allen is coming off an injury and they may have just wanted to limit his minutes.

The Knicks won so the magic number is still one.

 

[jjvors]

Mitchell highlights:

 

[Comeback kid]

Playing a bad team with its two best players out it seems like this should have been an easier win, instead of having to come from behind in the 4th.

Great D in that 4th quarter, however, holding them to 18 points. McConnel had a great game with 16 points and 5 assists for a +7 in 19 minutes.

I thought the Cavs' offense should have been better against the league's 29th scoring defense playing without their best defender. But the Pacers were very active and made the effort.

Mobley had 14 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks but he would be so much better if he had any touch from 3-10 feet. He misses so many shots in the short mid-range. But his defense is exceptional.

The Cavs' bench was outscored 41-21. I don't think they have the bench to go far in the playoffs. Rubio is useless. Cedi was -10 in 9 minutes. Stevens had two points, two rebounds, a turnover, and a foul in 12 minutes. LeVert was the only bench player who was worth anything.

Mitchell carried the Cavs on his back, scoring 40 points. He was a team high +16, followed by Mobley and Wade at +15. Wade was on the floor at crunch time which surprised me. He made his only 3-point attempt. Glad to see him getting minutes - ideally he's our starting small forward IMO.

Allen was not on the floor at crunch time. I wonder if JBB thinks the Cavs are better without he and Mobley on the floor at the same time. But Allen is coming off an injury and they may have just wanted to limit his minutes.

The Knicks won so the magic number is still one.

I have no idea how you or anybody else could predict what JB’s lineup will be at crunch time. Or any other time for that matter.

 

[dice1717]

I have no idea how anybody could predict what JB’s lineup will be at crunch time. Or any other time for that matter.

Good post. At times it feels like he’s throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks

 

[Dr. Claw]

LeVert (and IMO) JA were the guys who kept the Cavs off the cliff tonight on the low.
Glad to see this Donovan 40-piece not wasted. Also seeing a bit of positivity from Dean Wade.
The things I want to see are there, just need more experience.

Donovan's passing is so wild sometimes, lol.
49. LET'S GET 50!!!!

 

[Dr. Claw]

LeVert becoming Iguadola with a 3P shot before our eyes?

you and I had the same idea. "Is LeVert becoming the Iggy of this team????"

 

[Lee]

17-5 this year when he plays 20 minutes or more. How’s that Dr. No!

It looks like Wade really needed the rest. He only scored 5, but Wade looked his old self from earlier in the year. The shoulder injury realy became obvious.

I hope Wade starts the rest of the year, over Okoro. Wade's length really helps and as long he takes some 3 point shots and makes 1, he will spread the floor enough.

Besides who would I rather have shoot? Wade or Mr 40 a night Mitchell? Having role players like Wade is very important too.

 

[Lee]

I would have thought LeVert would have gotten it but Mobley also made some key defensive plays and got lot of defensive rebounds.

mobley's stat line of 14 points 16 rebs, 4 assists and 4 blocks deserves it. we are spoiled by Mobley already, lol

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

mobley's stat line of 14 points 16 rebs, 4 assists and 4 blocks deserves it. we are spoiled by Mobley already, lol

If only he had a reliable jump hook or a fallaway. I'm not complaining because I'm sure he'll develop a better offensive game in time.