Cavs Team Notes

Cleveland Cavaliers

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Feb 2, 2025
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Happy Darius Garland GIF by Cleveland Cavaliers


This topic is for Cavs team notes. Would love to see Spida and Garland win a chip this year!
 
Timberwolves could be without multiple starters vs. Cavs

Cleveland Cavaliers v Minnesota Timberwolves

Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

Minnesota could be without star guard Anthony Edwards in Monday’s game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves won’t be at full strength when they play the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday evening. They will be missing as many as three members of their opening-day starting lineup, but will at least be missing one. Most notably, Minnesota could be without Anthony Edwards who is currently listed as questionable with right hip soreness.

Edwards last played on Thursday when he led his team to a 127-114 victory over the Houston Rockets. In that game, he played 38 minutes and produced 41 points on 11-25 shooting with seven rebounds and six assists. It was his second straight game with over 40 points.

He missed Minnesota’s last game which was a win over the Portland Trail Blazers with the same hip injury that could keep him out of Monday’s game.

Edwards has had a phenomenal season. He’s averaging the fifth most points in the league with 27.2 per contest on 44.6% shooting from the floor and 42.1% from beyond the arc. He played well in Minnesota’s previous meeting against Cleveland where he put up 28 points in a losing effort.

Minnesota has struggled to put together a good offense without Edwards on the floor. They’ve produced just a 109.6 offensive rating (23rd percentile) without Edwards. They’re 1-1 in games this year he doesn’t play.

The Timberwolves will also be without Julius Randle (groin) and Donte DiVincenzo (toe). Mike Conley, who has been the starting point guard this season, is also listed as questionable with a right index finger strain.

The Cavs will be without Isaac Okoro (shoulder), Dean Wade (right knee), and JT Thor (G League). De’Andre Hunter is expected to make his Cavalier debut on Monday. Tip-off is at 7 PM.
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...port-cleveland-cavaliers-minnesota-wolves-nba
 
Player Grades: Cavs vs Wolves

Minnesota Timberwolves v Cleveland Cavaliers

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

Mobley has been incredible.

The Cleveland Cavaliers rocked the Minnesota Timberwolves from start to finish in this 129-107 beatdown.

Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. As a reminder, we don’t give grades to players who played fewer than 10 minutes of meaningful basketball. So while Emoni Bates and Luke Travers both saw the floor tonight — we will refrain from grading them. It wouldn’t be fair to judge such a strange, small sample size.

De’Andre Hunter​


12 points (3-7 shooting), 1 rebound, 1 steal, 5 fouls, 23 minutes

Hunter made his Cavalier debut tonight and despite some foul trouble, played a pretty fine game. He knocked down 3-of-4 three-point attempts and set the tone early with stifling defense on Anthony Edwards. His role on offense is clearly still a work in progress but it’s easy to see how Hunter will fit into the grander scheme.

It’s important to have measured expectations. Hunter is having a career-best year but a mid-season trade could require an adjustment period. Tonight was a good first step as the two-way picture wasn’t too blurry. This was a sturdy debut for Hunter.

Grade: B+​

Donovan Mitchell​


23 points (10-14 shooting), 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals

This was the definition of efficiency. Mitchell torched the Wolves early and never turned down the heat. He was in complete control of the offense and delivered a surge of shot creation that Minnesota couldn’t hope to contain.

Grade: A+​

Darius Garland​


17 points (6-14 shooting), 3 assists, 1 rebound, 4 turnovers, 27 minutes

The Cavaliers' offense didn’t really start rolling until midway through the first quarter. By then, the wheels had totally come off for Minnesota — and the Cavs coasted to an easy victory.

As a result, Garland didn’t accumulate his usual stats. He finished with more turnovers than assists in a fairly underwhelming box score. Still, it’s hard to knock a guy when his team leads for 48 minutes. Garland wasn’t the hyper-efficient floor general that we’ve come to love but he was more than enough for Cleveland to pick up their 43rd win in 53 games.

Grade: B+​

Evan Mobley​


28 points (12-19 shooting), 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 blocks, 2 steals

Mobley was the best player on the floor tonight. That’s something we’ve been able to say more than ever before this season. But it’s true — even in a game where Anthony Edwards had 44 points — it was Mobley who controlled both ends of the floor.

This stat line is what Cavs fans dreamed of when Mobley was drafted. An all-around dominant performance full of defensive highlights and completed by a powerful offensive game. Mobley looked too big and too strong for Minnesota’s frontcourt. Again, that’s something we’ve said more this season than any other.

Mobley has earned his spot in All-Star weekend and at this rate, he should be in All-NBA consideration, as well.

Grade: A+​

Jarrett Allen​


14 points (6-8 shooting), 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal

Night in, night out, Allen does his job. His 9 rebounds in the opening quarter allowed the Cavs to take advantage of a putrid offensive start for both teams. His relentless pursuit of the ball put Cleveland in front as they rode to a stress-free victory.

Grade: A​

Sam Merrill​


9 points (3-8 shooting), 6 rebounds, 2 steals

Merrill has found his groove in recent weeks. He has now hit multiple threes in four consecutive games, beginning with his 9 three-pointers against the Dallas Mavericks last Sunday.

The Cavaliers have been the league’s top offense all season. Merrill can only push them further over the top if he has truly rediscovered his touch. What’s more, he grabbed 6 rebounds in this game as the Cavaliers put on a defensive clinic.

Grade: B+​

Ty Jerome​


15 points (4-8 shooting), 4 assists, 2 rebounds

This may have been a lower grade if Jerome hadn’t converted the most exciting play of the game. A three-point shot from Jaylon Tyson, followed by a steal and buzzer-beating three from Jerome sent the crowd into a frenzy.


TY JEROME BUZZER BEATER IS CRAZY !!

pic.twitter.com/w4gsuLJuMv

— McNeil (@Reflog_18) February 11, 2025​
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Jerome’s knack for getting to the free-throw line has been an underrated aspect of his game. He made all 5 free three attempts tonight and is shooting 89% from the stripe this season.

Grade: A+​

Jaylon Tyson​


5 points (2-4 shooting), 5 rebounds, 1 assist

Tyson understands why he is on the floor. He only shoots when he’s open and instead focuses all of his attention on playing defense. Sure, the rookie is prone to rookie mistakes. But the effort is undeniable. He attacks the glass with authority and has the physical tools to be a versatile defender even in his first NBA season.

The Cavs will need more from Tyson offensively as the games progress. It’s unlikely he plays meaningful minutes in the postseason. Yet, these reps are valuable for the developing prospect as he remains a building block for the future.

Grade: A-​

Craig Porter Jr​


2 points (1-6 shooting), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 turnovers

Porter has had a great week. This game was an outlier. He shot 0-4 from deep and never found a rhythm on offense. His athleticism pops when he’s in transition — but Porter looks outmatched in other areas. Finding a way to use his body and become a more impactful defender will be the key for Porter to stay on the floor even when his shot isn’t falling.

Grade: F​

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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...avs-vs-wolves-evan-mobley-extends-all-nba-bid
 
Kenny Atkinson is already getting Cavs ready for playoffs

Boston Celtics v Cleveland Cavaliers

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

“Let’s start really narrowing in and focusing in on what’s going to help us in the playoffs.”

The Cleveland Cavaliers are still three months away from the playoffs, but they’ve already begun preparing for it. As successful as this season has been, they will ultimately be judged by how they perform in the postseason.

As a result, they’re beginning to emphasize things that will translate to success this spring.

“We’ve been kind of narrowing our focus right now, and like playoff focus, so we got certain KPIs (key performance indicators) that we want to hit in terms of our defense and our offense,” said head coach Kenny Atkinson before Monday’s win. “Let’s start really narrowing in and focusing in on what’s going to help us in the playoffs. And I do think that that changes from our beginning of the season [approach].”

What works in the regular season doesn’t always carry over to the postseason. The skill of your opponent combined with the significantly increased attention to detail makes it difficult to get by without some level of adjustments.

You don’t want to change entirely what worked in the regular season, but there is a need to emphasize different things heading into the playoffs.

“I would say 70% of it is the same basic things we’ve been doing, probably 30% where we’ve shifted our focus to different areas, possession game, being one of them,” Atkinson said when asked what areas of focus are different.

“Day one I wasn’t like, ‘Man, we’re gonna win the possession game.’ Now, as we start playing these more elite teams and start getting to the playoffs and where the plane feels a little more even. Possessions become more and more important because your margin is smaller. So that’s just one example of how we’ve shifted our mindset ... Let’s win the turnover battle. Let’s win the rebounding battle.”

The Cavs have done a good job of protecting the ball and forcing turnovers. They rank third in turnover percentage on offense and 11th on defense.

Rebounding is another issue. They rank in the bottom ten in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentages. The defensive rebounding in particular is something you’d like to see change before the playoffs.

Their offensive proficiency in the regular season has helped paper over some of these flaws.

“The reason why we’ve overcome it is because we’ve shot the ball so darn good,” Atkinson said. “[We] shoot the heck out of the ball. But... It’s not always going to be the case.”

The defense hasn’t been as crisp as they would like it to be. Their goal is to be a top-five defense by the end of the regular season. But, how they get to that goal is more important.

Atkinson hasn’t been afraid to mix things up defensively throughout the season. The Cavs have run 2-3 zones and have experimented with blitzing out of both man and zone defenses while increasing the amount they’re switching screens.

This is a departure from J.B. Bickerstaff’s philosophy where the Cavs were content making only small tweaks to their base defense in the regular season and postseason.

Atkinson’s amount of defensive tinkering also stands in stark contrast with some of the other contending Cavs teams we’ve seen over the decade that were saving their best counter for the playoffs. This team has been showing it on the court throughout the year.

This isn’t by accident. Atkinson believes that repetition is the only way that they’ll get better.

“I think with this team, they were kind of a basic coverage team last year,” Atkinson said. “I just feel like you got to practice it live [in] live play. I think you got to bring it out in the regular season whether teams see it or not.”

The Cavs have exceeded expectations coming into the season. However, it’s still fair to question how much of this will work in later rounds of the playoffs given their recent results against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics.

All Atkinson can do presently is try and prepare his team the best he can. That starts now.

“Working with championship coaches, I love the Ty Lue [line],” Atkinson said. “He said, you work on a playoff adjustment a day. You know, you’re always working on something because you never know when you’re going to need it. But I really believe you do it in live play and not just in practice.”
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2/11/24363064/cavs-playoffs-kenny-atkinson-cleveland-cavaliers-nba
 
Another Cavs rotation player added to injury report

Cleveland Cavaliers v Toronto Raptors

Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images

The Cavaliers could be down four rotation players for their last game before the All-Star break.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will once again be shorthanded in their final game before the All-Star break. Cleveland will be without Isaac Okoro (shoulder) and Dean Wade (knee) for the contest, but they could also be down the services of Max Strus (ankle) and Ty Jerome (calf) as well. Both Strus and Jerome are questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Raptors.

Strus initially injured his right ankle in preseason and didn’t return to the court until the end of December. That same ankle is giving him problems again as he missed Monday’s win over the Minnesota Timberwolves with the same injury. His absence allowed De’Andre Hunter to start in his debut with the Cavs. Strus is averaging 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game this season.

Jerome is a new addition to the injury report. The loss of Caris LeVert in the Hunter trade means that more of a playmaking burden is on Jerome. He’s shown this season that he can handle the increased responsibilities.

Craig Porter Jr. would likey see an increased role if Jerome is unable to go. Jerome is averaging 11.4 points and 3.4 assists per game on 51.6% shooting from the floor and 42.7% shooting from beyond the arc.

It isn’t surprising that the Cavs will be without Okoro and Wade. The Cavs are hoping that both will be able to return shortly after the All-Star break.

The Raptors injury report hasn’t been released yet for this game as they played Tuesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. Brandon Ingram, who recently signed a contract extension with the team, will likely wait until after the break to make his debut.
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...-wade-cleveland-cavaliers-nba-toronto-raptors
 
Cavs at Raptors preview and gamethread

NBA: Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers

David Richard-Imagn Images

Have the Cavaliers unlocked another level to their defense?

The Cavaliers are looking to clinch the season sweep of the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (43-10) at Toronto Raptors (17-37)

Where: Scotiabank Arena - Toronto, ON

When: 7:30pm EST

TV: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Line: Cavaliers - 13.5

Expected Cavs starting lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, De’Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen.

Cavs injury report: Ty Jerome - QUESTIONABLE (calf), Max Strus - QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Isaac Okoro - OUT (shoulder), Dean Wade - OUT (calf), JT Thor - OUT (G League)

Expected Raptors starting lineup: Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, Ochiai Agbaji, Scottie Barnes, Jonathan Mogbo

Raptors injury report from Tuesday’s game vs. 76ers: RJ Barrett - OUT (return to conditioning), Brandon Ingram - OUT (ankle), Jakob Poeltl - OUT (hip), P.J. Tucker - OUT (not with team), A.J. Lawson - OUT (G League)
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What to watch for​

Has Hunter enabled the Cavaliers' defense to go to another level?​


Don’t look now, but the Cleveland Cavaliers might flirt with being a top-five team on both sides of the court by season’s end. While it’s way too early to say, the Cavaliers put Minnesota in a choke hold Monday night. The first quarter might be the most dire stretch the Timberwolves have suffered all season as they shot 2-21 from the field leading to 12 total points in the opening frame.

While Hunter was not the sole reason the defense looked the way it did on Monday, the pros of Hunter’s presence were almost immediately felt. The Cavaliers while struggling on the offensive end were able to start the game against the Wolves on a 16-0 start. Hunter is a different archetype than the Cavaliers had on this roster previously.

Hunter at 6 ‘8 is someone who paired alongside either Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley (even both) will give the Cavaliers different looks than having to do patchwork with their personnel. I know there are Isaac Okoro believers (including myself) however, despite offensive shooting growth it’s hard to envision him staying on the floor late in postseason games.

If Monday is any indication of what’s to come, the Cavaliers made a necessary and smart swing to fill their biggest hole, versatility. Hunter provides a solid solution as the Cavaliers look to go toe to toe with the Celtics and Thunder, two teams whose switchability and versatility have given them troubles in the past.

What is the road map for Toronto?​


The Toronto Raptors also made a swing for a wing at the deadline. They made a deal that saw Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk (insert boo noise), a first-round pick, and a future second go out the door for Brandon Ingram. The price tag was not really steep for a quality player in Ingram; however, I think most of the league reacted with a synchronized “Huh?”

Ingram joins in a recent collection of talent by Toronto that paints a picture without much purpose. Ingram now joins a Raptors team that has an overlap of skill players between Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. To further muddy up the vision, Ingram has only played 18 games this season and was set to become a free agent in the summer. The clock is ticking for the Raptors brass to assemble a plan and a cohesive roster construction.

The salary cap room continues to dwindle as they invested over $118 million into the “core” of Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl. Now, with Ingram extended, the question arises as to who is going to be viewed as a pillar of this franchise.

One thing is for sure, Toronto needed to take swings to bring in talent, but they didn’t need to make things more complicated for themselves.
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...y-report-how-to-watch-cleveland-cavaliers-nba
 
Rajakovic says Thompson’s garbage-time basket showed ‘no class’

Cleveland Cavaliers v Toronto Raptors

Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images

Thompson violated one of the NBA’s unwritten rules with his late dunk in the Cavs’ blowout victory.

The NBA has a few unwritten rules. One of those is that you shouldn’t try to score on your final possession if you’re winning in a blowout. Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson violated that by dunking with four seconds left in a 131-108 win over the Toronto Raptors.

Unsurprisingly, the Raptors took exception to this and exchanged words with Thompson after the final buzzer. Thompson, also unsurprisingly, had words of his own to share back. Assistant coaches from both teams had to break up the scrum.


Tristan Thompson wins it for the Cavs pic.twitter.com/Ve88Gitvie

— Dylan (@dillybar2145__) February 13, 2025​
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Afterward, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic took a shot at Thompson’s actions.

“I think what Tristan did here was no class and disrespectful,” Rajakovic said “We’re not gonna stand for that for sure. I’m really glad that our guys, our players. ... I love when my team stands up for themselves. That was not a class act.”


Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic on Tristan Thompson’s antics late:

“I think what Tristan did there was no class and disrespectful… I love when my team stands up for themselves.” pic.twitter.com/ko5DTnU8lZ

— Toronto Star Sports (@StarSports) February 13, 2025​
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Unwritten rules are stupid in all sports. What happens in the final few seconds of a blowout doesn’t change the outcome of the game or make it more or less of a loss.

Still, Thompson has been in the NBA long enough to know that scoring there was going to cause the reaction that it did. He also seemed well prepared for it. We don’t know what exactly led up to it.

Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson also wasn’t sure what caused Thompson to go for the dunk.

“I'm not sure what he was thinking,” Atkinson said afterward. “Sometimes though, you’re playing the game and you just have a reaction. I know with Tristan there’s no bad intention there. I think just sometimes you’re playing. And you know, the goal of the game is to score and he just made a layup. But you know, [it’s] unfortunate.”

Rajakovic’s comments are harsh but understandable. This hasn’t been a great season for the Raptors and this certainly wasn’t a good showing from his team on the second night of a back-to-back. The Cavs completely had their way and were up by as many as 39 points midway through the third quarter before letting their foot off the gas. No one is going to be happy in that situation.

The Cavs swept their four-game season series against the Raptors. These teams won’t face each other again until next season.
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...mpson-cleveland-cavaliers-darko-rajakovic-nba
 
Watch Warriors at Rockets on Playback

Golden State Warriors v Chicago Bulls

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Watch NBA League Pass with us on Playback!

Join us on Playback as the Houston Rockets host the Golden State Warriors for a Western Conference showdown at 8 pm.

The Warriors have found new life since trading for Jimmy Butler. The six-time All-Star is averaging 22 points in a Dubs uniform. Golden State will look to bounce back from a tough loss to the Dallas Mavericks last night.

Houston has won three straight games and stands 14 games above .500. Their breakout season has been one of the surprise stories of the year. Aleperen Sengun will represent them in All-Star weekend while rising star Amen Thompson has turned heads recently.

We will watch this game as well as others on tonight’s slate.

  • Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat at 8:30 pm
  • Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Clippers at 9 pm

If you want to watch the games live with us, you only have to make a free account on Playback.

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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...state-warriors-at-houston-rockets-on-playback
 
Watch NBA Rising Stars Challenge on Playback

Golden State Warriors v Houston Rockets

Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

Join the watch party on Playback

Join us on Playback at 9 PM for the NBA Rising Stars Challenge. There will not be any members of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the game, but it should still be a fun showdown.

Similar to the All-Star Game, the players are broken up into four teams and will play three games in a mini-tournament format. The members of each team can be found HERE. The team that wins this event will take place in the All-Star Game on Sunday.

Here’s what you have to do if you want to watch along with us:

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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2/14/24365613/watch-nba-rising-stars-challenge-on-playback
 
Player Grades: Cavs at Raptors

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors

Photo by Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images

Hunter made his impact felt.

The Cleveland Cavaliers steamrolled the Toronto Raptors in a wire-to-wire victory. Newcomer De’Andre Hunter began to grow comfortable in his second game with the Cavs.

Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

De’Andre Hunter​


18 points (6-12 shooting), 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 4 fouls

The Cavaliers traded for Hunter because they’ve had a gaping hole at small forward for multiple years. Even so, they stuck with Max Strus in the starting lineup tonight and had Hunter come off the bench in a sixth-man role he has flourished in this season. The results were positive.

Hunter showcased his length and athleticism on both ends of the floor. Whether it be skying to contest a shot — or rising above his defender to bury a jumper. Hunter fits any lineup the Cavs use him in. That’s quite the luxury to have.

We’d like to see him avoid foul trouble moving forward (9 fouls in two games). And, we are still waiting for his first assist in a Cavalier uniform.

Grade: A- ​

Donovan Mitchell​


21 points (6-16 shooting), 6 rebounds, 5 assists

The Cavs didn’t get much production from their starting backcourt tonight. Mitchell was off the mark for most of the night and Darius Garland wasn’t much more efficient. Yet, the Cavs hung 131 points on Toronto and seemingly had no issue generating offense.

This is a testament to the Cavalier depth (more on this later). But Mitchell and Garland deserve some credit, as well. They’ve had no issue taking a backseat when the others are rolling. And you can rest assured that life is made easier for everyone in Cleveland when Mitchell is on the floor — even if it isn’t showing up in the box score.

Grade: B+​

Darius Garland​


15 points (7-15 shooting), 8 assists, 2 rebounds, 3 steals

Garland couldn’t get it going from deep (1-8) tonight. Other than that, he was relatively flawless. The Cavs’ offense stayed in a flow state in large part to his 8 assists and Garland was hyper-active on defense with three steals.

A more efficient shooting night from Garland could have resulted in a 40+ point victory for the Cavs. But that’s just being greedy.

Grade: A-​

Evan Mobley​


12 points (6-11 shooting), 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks

Mobley has been a box-score stuffer this week. His game of 28 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 blocks and 2 steals against Minnesota was the first of its kind this season. He was on pace for a similar night in Toronto before the game got totally out of hand.

The Cavs lead ballooned to an absurd amount before Mobley had a chance to pad his stats. But this was another game of complete dominance from the first-time All-Star. The Raptors join a growing list of NBA teams who have found no solution for Mobley on either end of the floor.

Grade: A+​

Max Strus​


14 points (1-6 shooting), 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal

Strus had 12 points in rapid succession to start this game. He was en fuego from deep, canning four three-pointers to give the Cavs an early lead. While that fire began to dissipate as the game went on — his influence on the offense didn’t Strus dished six assists and maintained the defensive integrity that made him a team-high +33 in 26 minutes.

Grade: A+​

Jarrett Allen​


13 points (5-6 shooting), 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal

The combination of Allen and Mobley has left opponents decimated if they can’t salvage a respectable frontcourt to deter them. Cleveland delivered a beatdown on the glass and Allen contributed heavily. His two blocks helped hold a lid on the rim against Toronto and his efficient scoring is backbreaking when it’s happening in tandem with the Cavaliers’ three-point shooting.

Grade: A​

Sam Merrill​


16 points (6-13 shooting), 2 rebounds, 2 steals

It feels like Merrill has officially arrived. He had been struggling to replicate last season’s magic up to this point — but recently, he’s been a barn burner from deep. He torched the Raptors as soon as he lept off the bench, canning four triples in his first stint on the floor.

Cleveland’s offense grows that much scarier when Merrill is applying maximum pressure on opponents.

Grade: A+​

Jaylon Tyson​


8 points (3-3 shooting), 1 assist, 17 minutes

This was a different game than we are used to seeing from Tyson. He didn’t grab a rebound but converted all three of his field goal attempts. He opened up with a catch-and-shoot three that is encouraging for his projected role in Cleveland. While he didn’t grab a board, it wasn’t for lack of trying.

The Cavs may rely on Tyson more than anticipated now that Georges Niang is in Atlanta. So far, the rook has made the most of his limited opportunities.

Grade: B

Craig Porter​


7 points (2-5 shooting), 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals

This game started rough for Porter. An errant three-point attempt and an even worse mid-range jumper had this trending toward disaster.

As the night went on, Porter returned to the basics. His athleticism popped as he broke up a transition alley-oop attempt and then shortly after, he finished an and-one play. Porter didn’t provide any Ty-Phoons but he did a solid enough job for the Cavs to coast to victory without worrying about how to replace Ty Jerome’s minutes.

Grade: B-​

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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...rades-cavs-at-raptors-hunter-shines-off-bench
 
Garland comes up just short in NBA 3-Point Contest

2025 NBA All Star - Starry 3-Point Contest

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Tyler Herro comes away the champion.

The Cleveland Cavaliers almost came away with two trophies on All-Star Saturday night, but couldn’t as Darius Garland fell just short in the 3-Point Contest. He couldn’t match his total from the first round which paved the way for Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat to emerge victorious.

For the second year in a row, the Cavalier participant in the 3-Point Contest came out with a custom jersey that wasn’t their own. Last season Donovan Mitchell had a “Money Merrill” jersey for Sam Merrill. This year, Garland came out with a number 22 Cavs jersey in honor of his dad Winston who was a seven-year NBA veteran.

Garland had a strong start. He finished with a score of 24 in the opening round. It was the second-highest score among the eight contests which earned him a trip to the final round with Buddy Hield and Herro.

Herro matched Garland’s score of 24 in the second round. Unfortunately, Garland couldn’t do the same. He was unable to find the rhythm he did in the first round as he managed just 19 points in the final round. Hield came up just one point short which gave Herro the title.

We’ll have to wait for a Cavalier to break the now 12-year draught in the 3-Point Contest. Two Cavaliers have won the competition with Mark Price doing it twice (1993 and ‘94) and Kyrie Irving doing so once (2013).

Garland will join Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and the Cavs coaching staff in the All-Star Game on Sunday evening.
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...nba-3-point-contest-all-star-game-tyler-herro
 
Watch NBA All-Star Game on Playback

2025 NBA All-Star - KIA Skills Challenge

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Watch the NBA All-Star Game with us!

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game begins at 8 pm. You can join Tony Pesta on Playback as he watches this year’s big game.

Three members of the Cleveland Cavaliers will be represented. Donovan Mitchell is playing in his sixth All-Star game while Darius Garland makes his second appearance. Evan Mobley is the breakout star of the bunch, making his Sunday debut.

Here’s what you have to do if you want to watch along with us:

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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2/16/24366622/watch-nba-all-star-game-on-playback
 
Cleveland ‘likely’ to be awarded WNBA franchise

Rockers.0.jpg

NBAE via Getty Images

The team will reportedly revive the “Rockers” name.

All signs are pointing to the WNBA coming back to Cleveland.

According to Sports Business Journal, after submitting a bid led by Cleveland Cavaliers team owner Dan Gilbert, Cleveland will “likely” be awarded the 16th WNBA franchise for the 2028 season. The “Rockers” team name will also reportedly be revived, along with the logo and associated artwork. Trademarks were filed for the franchise's name and logo, which folded in 2003.

Gilbert and his investment put together a league-record $250 million bid, far surpassing the other cities that recently were awarded WNBA franchises: Golden State ($50 million), Toronto ($115 million), and Portland ($125 million).

While not finalized, it is reported that Cleveland has a “90%” chance of receiving an expansion team with an announcement that could come in March. Cleveland is one of several cities that have put together proposals for WNBA teams, including Detroit, Nashville, Houston, Miami, and Philadelphia.

Sports Business Journal reports that the Rockers would operate out of the Cavs' current Independence practice facility, with the NBA team moving into the new practice facility that will be constructed as part of the Cuyahoga Riverfront Masterplan. The Independence practice facility has two full courts, a weight room, and a team theatre. The Rockers would play their games at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

There has never been a better time to capitalize on the success and popularity of the WNBA. The 2024 WNBA season recorded its highest total attendance in 22 years and a 48% viewership increase year-over-year from 2023. While it didn't work the first time through, Cleveland as a city seems better equipped to support a WNBA franchise this time around.
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2/16/24366886/cavs-wnba-cleveland-rockets-expansion-nba-cavaliers
 
Donovan Mitchell places fifth in ESPN MVP straw poll

Cleveland Cavaliers v Washington Wizards

Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images

Mitchell is in line to receive the recognition he deserves.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the biggest surprises this season as they’re tied for the best record in the league at the All-Star break at 44-10. That’s good enough for a 67-win pace which would break the franchise’s previous best mark of 66 wins in the 2008-09 season if they can keep winning at that rate. The play of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are a large reason why that’s the case.

Tim Bontempts of ESPN conducts a survey of 100 media members a few times throughout the season. The most recent poll has Mitchell placing fifth in MVP voting behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum. Mitchell finished with three third-place votes, 11 fourth-place votes, and 25 fifth-place votes.

Evan Mobley also received one vote for fourth place in the straw poll. This has him tied for 11th with LeBron James.

Mitchell placing fifth in the MVP voting would make sense. This season might not be his best season from a statistical perspective, but his team is succeeding in large part due to him ceding some control of the offense while still being one of the best-scoring guards in the league.

The highest Mitchell has finished previously in MVP voting was sixth in the 2022-23 season. Finishing fifth would be a step forward and would put him in line with being on the All-NBA First-Team for the first time in his career.

There are still 28 games left in the season. Anything can happen in that time, but it’s good to see that Mitchell is in line to receive the recognition he deserves for his phenomenal season.
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...l-espn-mvp-straw-poll-cleveland-cavaliers-nba
 
Cavs win their first of hopefully a few trophies this season

2025 NBA All-Star - KIA Skills Challenge

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell win NBA Skills Challenge

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be leaving the season with one trophy. Well, at least Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley will as they won the Kia NBA Skills Challenge on Saturday night. This is the second time Mobley has been a part of a winning Skills Challenge team as the Cavs with the trio of Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland won the challenge in 2021.

This year, the Skills Challenge format was a two-man competition comprised of four teams. Both players from the team went through an obstacle course that required them to hit a corner three over a windmill, make a free throw, and make passes to a target.

Mobley and Mitchell started out slow in their first round. Mobley missed more than a few shots and Mitchell fumbled the ball while trying to get it up the court. Still, it was enough to beat out two teams and advance to the finals. They were benefited from a truly horrific performance from rookies Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher and from a disqualification.

The San Antonio Spurs team of Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama were eliminated after not attempting to take a shot from the shooting racks. Instead, they just quickly tossed the ball toward the basket.

The Cavs faced the Golden State Warriors in the final round. Mobley and Mitchell were considerably better the second time around. They shaved 17 seconds off their time from the first round.

The Warriors had a chance to better the Cavs, but couldn’t do it. Moses Moody had a strong showing. However, Draymond Green couldn’t continue that pace. A few missed passes and shots from Green did them in.

How much the Skills Challenge represents actually basketball skills is certainly up for debate. Still, it’s nice to see the Cavs come away with a win.

The Cavaliers will have three players and their coaching staff participating in the All-Star Game on Sunday.
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...-mobley-nba-skills-challenge-all-star-weekend
 
Cavs need to sign a player by Thursday, here’s who they could add on a 10-day contract

Philadelphia 76ers v Milwaukee Bucks


The Cavaliers could look to add a member of the Charge to meet the minimum roster requirements this week.

NBA rules require a team to have 14 players on their standard roster not counting two-way players. Teams can dip below that number but not for more than two weeks at a time or for 28 days in a season. The recent De’Andre Hunter trade brought the Cleveland Cavaliers to 13 active players. They have to sign a player by Thursday to meet the roster requirements.

Given how the Cavs have handled situations like this in the past, it’s fair to believe they will head into the playoffs with 15 players on their active roster in addition to the one they need to add now. Based on recent practices, it would make sense that they would elevate one of their two-way players to a standard roster spot, add a free agent not currently on their team, and then sign a player to an additional two-way contract.

All of those things aren’t likely to happen before Thursday.

It seems more likely that the Cavs will add a player on a 10-day contract to meet the minimum roster requirements. In the recent past, these players have come from their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge. It stands to reason that will happen again.

Here’s a look at three members of the Charge that would make sense to add to 10-day contracts while they round out the edges of the roster.

Pete Nance​


The Cavs have familiarity with Nance. He spent the end of last season on a two-way deal with the team, signed two 10-day contracts with them last season, has been on the past two Summer League teams, and was in training camp before starting the year with the Charge.

Nance was signed to a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers on two separate occasions this season before returning to the Charge just before the All-Star break.

This season, Nance is averaging 15.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game on 47.8% shooting from the floor and 37.8% shooting from three in 18 G League games with both the Deleware Blue Coats and the Charge. He appeared in seven games with the Sixers and averaged 2.1 points and 1.4 rebounds in 9.7 minutes per game.

The Cavs could use more big-man depth. It isn’t difficult to see how Nance would help the team in the short term.

Nae’Qwan Tomlin​


Tomlin has the potential to fill an immediate need with the Cavs. At 6’10, 210 pounds, Tomlin has shown he can be a productive power forward in the G League who is more than capable of stretching the floor. He’s connected on 36.2% of his 4.3 three-point attempts per game. This has led to him averaging 15.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game on 54.5% shooting from the floor.

Three-point shooting isn’t Tomlin’s only attribute. He’s shown to be comfortable acting as an on-ball initiator for himself and his teammates. This has allowed him to be more than just a stretch four that gets most of their offense off of pick-and-pops or simply spacing to the corner. His skillset would fit in well into Kenny Atkinson’s offense which requires everyone on the court to play with and without the ball.

Tomlin has had an untraditional path to professional basketball. He played three years at the JUCO level before transferring to Kansas State for the 2022-23 season and then moving on to Memphis for 2023-24. Tomlin was undrafted out of college but spent this past Summer League with the Cavs.

The Cavs need power forwards who can stretch the floor and provide extra depth there. Tomlin has the skillset and size to do that. Trying him out on a 10-day contract would make perfect sense.

Feron Hunt​


The 6’8” forward is having a solid season with the Charge. He was signed to a two-way contract with the New York Knicks at the end of the 2022 season but was released the following fall.

The 25-year-old is averaging 15.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game on 54% shooting from the field in 36 games with the Charge. Hunt has stepped up in his last 20 games as Emoni Bates and Luke Travers have missed extended stretches due to injuries. In that time, he’s averaging 19.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.

Hunt has shown to be comfortable attacking the basket both on and off-ball while being an excellent rebounder for his size. The rebounding allows him to comfortably play the three and four in the G League, but it’s fair to question whether he can play power forward in the NBA which is an issue when looking at the Cavs roster. The lack of a three-point shot, 29.6% on two attempts per game, is also less than ideal.

Hunt has played well this season and shown that he could be ready for another opportunity in the NBA. However, he may not be an ideal fit on this Cavs team given the fact he may not be a four at the next level.
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...nd-charge-feron-hunt-naeqwan-tomlin-cavaliers
 
There’s no reason to overthink it, just start De’Andre Hunter

Cleveland Cavaliers v Toronto Raptors

Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images

The Cavs don’t need to make this more difficult than it needs to be.

Playoff basketball exposes flaws in your roster even if you spend the regular season burying your head in the sand and pretending they don’t exist. The Cleveland Cavaliers found this out the hard way in 2023 in their first-round matchup with the New York Knicks. They could be in line for something similar to happen again if they don’t give newly acquired wing De’Andre Hunter enough reps with the core four before the postseason starts.

Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong for the Cavaliers in their series against the Knicks two years ago. One of their biggest limitations was their lack of depth at the small forward spot.

The 2022-23 Cavs excelled in the regular season with Isaac Okoro alongside their core four of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. That five-man unit outscored opponents by 7.8 points per 100 possessions (64th percentile) with a 122 offensive rating (71st percentile).

Okoro’s lack of a trustworthy outside shot or offensive production didn’t come back to bite them too much before the playoffs. The issues were evident late in close games, but by and large, it wasn’t a problem during the regular season.

The idea that Okoro could play alongside the starters was quickly disproved in the Cavs' first playoff game. So much so, that J.B. Bickerstaff played him less than nine minutes in the second half of Game 1 and opted to go with Cedi Osman instead.

Osman closed the game alongside the core four. It was a lineup that only saw 79 possessions together in the regular season compared with the over 900 the grouping with Okoro did. More game reps with that lineup in the regular season would’ve been useful.

Bickerstaff then opted to start his five best players with Caris LeVert in place of Okoro beginning in Game 3. While that unit played together throughout the regular season, they only started six games, all coming before mid-November.

That lineup actually faired okay together in the playoffs, but the lack of bench continuity with LeVert in the starting unit made the gamble not worth it. Anticipating the need to make this move in the regular season and experimenting with corresponding bench lineups would’ve helped them get prepared for those issues in the postseason.

The Cavs are far better suited now for the playoffs this spring. Max Strus is also conceptually and in reality a better fit alongside the core four. Still, Hunter was brought in for a reason.

The argument for keeping Strus in the starting lineup runs along the same lines as it did for Okoro two years ago. The Cavs are obliterating teams with Strus and the four other starters. They’re outscoring opponents by 32.8 points per 100 possessions (95th percentile) with a 128.6 offensive rating (84th percentile) and a 95.7 defensive rating (94th percentile) in a relatively small sample size (210 possessions).

If it isn’t broke, why fix it?

Well, deep down, we all know that running up the score on a February night in Toronto doesn’t mean anything when you’re facing the Boston Celtics in May.

What’s required to beat the best of the best when they’re prepared to take away your strengths and exploit your weaknesses isn’t close to what’s needed over an 82-game season. You need multiple pieces that can actually match up with the other team’s star players on both sides of the ball. Hunter was brought in specifically to do that.

“This [move] just gives you a chance to move stuff around the chessboard and be able to play multiple different ways in a playoff series,” said Koby Altman, President of Basketball Operations, shortly after the deadline. “[Not having Dean Wade and Okoko in the last matchup] against Boston, sort of gave me a little pause. ... Having more of those guys, those kind of switchable guys that can guard all over the floor is immensely important.”

The margin between the Cavs and Celtics in last year’s playoffs wasn’t as large as you’d expected considering Mitchell missed two games and Jarrett Allen wasn’t available for the series. The Cavaliers were in every game but the first one, but ultimately didn’t have many good options to throw onto Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

As a result, they were forced to shade their defense toward them and send multiple defenders their way. This opened up the floor for Boston’s role players to convert on wide-open looks. This is why players like Al Horford and Payton Pritchard were able to be as impactful as they were.

This is where Hunter helps.

Hunter hasn’t lived up to his defensive reputation since entering the NBA, but he’s already shown how he can be a good fit when playing around the core four in the game he did start. At 6’8” with a 7’2” wingspan, he has the ability to be a solid team defender and someone you don’t need to overly shift the defense over to help on.

Last week’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves was a good example of this. Anthony Edwards finished with 48 points but started slow converting just one of his first seven attempts. That mostly came with Hunter guarding him while sharing the floor with the starters.

Hunter’s length and the ability to stay in front of Edwards combined with having Mobley and Allen ready to help at the rim forced Edwards into difficult contested jumpers.

More importantly, the Cavs' defense didn’t have to bend too much to help which allowed them to stay connected to Minnesota’s other offensive players. This allowed the Cavs to jump out to an 18-point advantage after the first quarter.

No individual defender is going to keep players like Edwards or Tatum from getting their own. The goal is to make it difficult and not let others get going in the process. Hunter’s size makes it easier to do that with than someone like Strus who is a more natural two-guard at 6’5”.

The offensive side of the ball is where Hunter has excelled this season but will take the most adjustments to get him up to speed.

It’s easier to talk about plugging in someone with Hunter’s skillset on paper than it is in reality. Hunter fits the mold of a prototypical three-and-D wing, but the NBA at large — and more importantly the Cavs offense — has gone away from the role player archetype that simply stands in the corner and waits to shoot open threes. Everyone on the court needs to be able to play make and attack on and off-ball.

Hunter has shown he can do that. However, there’s a larger adjustment period for someone who can do more within the offense. Especially when they’re trying to fit in alongside three All-Stars.

This was seen in Hunter’s first appearance with the team and as a starter. He had a tougher time establishing a rhythm against Minnesota as his three-field goal makes came from beyond the three-point line and were assisted.

Playing with the reserves in his second outing allowed Hunter to get into a much better flow. He was able to play more on-ball and easily showcased his skills as a scorer. While that’s useful in the short term (especially when the Cavs are missing their backup four in Wade), sticking with what’s comfortable doesn’t best prepare Hunter or the team for the playoffs.

The Cavs only have 28 games left before the postseason. How many of those will have the core four plus Hunter available will inevitably be much less. We know how Hunter can perform off the bench and we know how both Strus and Wade fit into the starting lineup.

What we need to know is how Hunter fits into matchups with the league’s best. This is the perfect time to do so as well as the Cavs face the Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Celtics in just over a week of returning from the break.

Is Hunter the missing starter in a matchup against the Celtics? Whether that answer is yes or no is almost secondary to knowing what that answer is at all.

What can’t happen is a repeat of two years ago. The Cavs knew the flaws at the starting small forward position would come back to bite them in the playoffs and they weren’t prepared at all for when it did.

The worst thing the Cavs could do is repeat that mistake again. Sticking with Hunter in a reserve role would inevitably do that. You have to at least see what you have with Hunter alongside the core four.
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...liers-nba-playoffs-kenny-atkinson-koby-altman
 
Cavs sign Javonte Green on buyout market

Utah Jazz v New Orleans Pelicans

Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images

Cavs add more wing depth.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Javonte Green is securing a buyout agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans and plans to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers upon his release. This is another quality pickup for the Cavs in a matter of two weeks.


New Orleans Pelicans forward Javonte Green has agreed to a contract buyout and intends to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers upon clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. Additional wing depth for the East-best Cavs. pic.twitter.com/oi21Chsddk

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2025​
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Green has played six seasons in the NBA, averaging 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in his most meaningful role with the Chicago Bulls (2022). He’s a 31-year-old wing who plays much bigger than his listed height of 6’5”. Strong athleticism and a 7’0” wingspan help him in this department.

The Cavs can expect Green to give them productive minutes at the backend of their rotation. His motor is always running and he’s been one of the better positional rebounders in the NBA throughout his career. His defensive impact has been bludgeoned on a struggling Pelicans team but Green should seamlessly fit into Cleveland’s defensive needs.

He doesn’t offer as much offensively. Green is a limited three-point shooter — although, he has gradually improved in this regard. He began his career as a complete non-threat from deep (27%) but has been shooting 35.8% on 1.7 attempts per game since 2021. Green won’t draw much attention from behind the arch but at least he is capable of hitting shots now and again.

Most importantly, Green’s physical build is everything the Cavs have been searching for. He brings athleticism to a bench that has been lacking in that department for multiple years. And, he’s another able body who can eat minutes during the home stretch of the regular season.

Cleveland has done a fine job polishing their roster this month. They recently traded for a two-way wing in De’Andre Hunter, in addition to signing G League standout Nae’Qwan Tomlin to a 10-day contract just hours before adding Green. With Dean Wade’s return potentially on the horizon — the Cavs wing depth has gone from paper-thin to mighty respectable overnight.
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2...rtedly-signing-javonte-green-on-buyout-market
 
The Cavs are proving everyone wrong

Oklahoma City Thunder v Cleveland Cavaliers

Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images

You were wrong about the Cavaliers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t supposed to be this good.

Not according to what we’ve heard about this roster over recent years. The core four can’t coexist. Two undersized guards next to two bigs just isn’t a blueprint for success in the modern NBA, right?

Cleveland’s current 44-10 record (tied for best in the league) seems to conflict with that narrative. The chemistry and cohesiveness they’ve displayed all season isn’t what you’d expect from a team that doesn’t fit together.

The Cavs have become a historic scoring team with an Offensive Rating (123.9 points per 100 possessions) that outpaces even last year’s champions, the Boston Celtics. This is staggering for a team that routinely plays two bigs together – something that was recognized as a fundamental flaw in the roster.

Yet every metric will tell you the Cavaliers have shattered expectations and broken into title contention. The eye test will leave you even more encouraged. But how did this roster make that leap in today’s NBA? How was everyone so wrong about this team – and what did it take for them to break the code?

Elephant in the Room​


Some of the smartest minds in basketball look like fools for doubting the Cavaliers.

But, their original concerns were not unwarranted. The Cavs had some very real obstacles to overcome before getting to this point. More are surely still on the horizon. Let’s quickly acknowledge those previous flaws in the roster to better understand how far Cleveland has come.

Playing two non-shooting bigs together is a massive hurdle. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen might make the Cavs an elite defensive team – but their cost to the offense was becoming hard to ignore. The floor was cramped and the Cavs frequently struggled to score at the same rate as their peers. This was undeniable in the playoffs when teams could exploit Cleveland’s greatest weakness for an entire series. The Cavs finished bottom three in offensive rating each of their last two postseason appearances.

As for the guards, striking a balance between two high-usage players isn’t easy. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell often felt disconnected. They each could deliver big games but rarely at the same time. It was as if each player took separate turns at the steering wheel rather than working harmoniously to keep the engine running at maximum power. Unlocking one star without burying the other was another hurdle this team had to clear.

Again, this was highlighted in the playoffs. Neither guard found a rhythm in their five-game blunder to the New York Knicks. Then in their follow-up, Mitchell was left hanging as the only Cavalier who could break free against Orlando.

With all of that in mind, I can’t blame anyone for thinking Cleveland’s path to becoming a contender was blocked by too many obstacles. But now let’s talk about how they’ve navigated every single one – led by this season’s frontrunner for Coach of the Year.

A Breath of Fresh Air​


Kenny Atkinson took the head coaching job this summer knowing what obstacles faced ahead of him. He immediately spoke about the importance of meshing Garland and Mitchell while stressing that Mobley’s ascension was key to everything. Many believed this would be impossible – Garland’s issues were a result of his fit next to Mitchell, and Mobley’s stagnant development was a symptom of it all. The only way to solve this was by splitting up the band.

Thankfully, Atkinson had a vision and implemented a new system to perfection. Garland, Mitchell and Mobley are flourishing together. All three made it to the All-Star game this season and are arguably playing at an All-NBA level. Comparing Atkions’s style and background to that of Cleveland’s previous head coach offers some insight.

Bickerstaff spent years as an assistant coach in Houston before getting the head coaching job in 2015. His time with James Harden is an influence that Bickerstaff has clearly carried to each of his subsequent jobs. He replicated key principles of that heliocentric style with his two guards in Cleveland – and he’s doing it again with Cade Cunningham in Detroit.

Basketball can be a simple game. Thus, the Cavs embraced simplicity under Bickerstaff. The two guards essentially served as one James Harden as the Cavalier offense revolved around guard-big pick and rolls. Everyone else was expected to stand around and space the floor. This can only take you so far in the NBA – and it’s why Bickerstaff has gradually expanded his philosophy as his career goes on.

Atkinson’s Influence​


Now flip to Atkinson. The free-flowing offense we currently see in Cleveland has drawn comparisons to the Golden State Warriors. It’s no coincidence that Atkinson learned that very same offense as Steve Kerr’s assistant before joining the Cavs. Bringing this style to Cleveland was a no-brainer.

Atkinson has ramped up the tempo (jolting Cleveland to the 7th fastest pace compared to 24th last year) with an emphasis on quick-hitting actions that get everyone involved. It’s a direct contrast to the methodical, one-man army approach from before. But that’s the strength of a team with three All-Stars and a fourth starter who just barely missed the cut. No one has to carry a heavy load when the team is deep enough to share the weight.

Take this for perspective. Darius Garland averaged 34.9 minutes per game across his previous three seasons with Bickerstaff. This year, he’s played above 35 minutes just twice in 52 games. This trend goes down the roster – with Donovan Mitchell being the only Cavalier to break 40 minutes in a game this season – and he’s only done it once compared to eight times last year.

To be clear, not everyone can replicate the Warriors’ offense. For example, Bickerstaff won’t magically make the Pistons a contender by asking them to play the same way Atkinson is instructing the Cavs. Heliocentricism is a crutch for teams with star players who lack enough depth to truly compete. It’s why Cunningham is an All-Star but the Pistons are only 29-26 this season. You need a wealth of talent to play like the Warriors. That’s what the Cavaliers have.


The Cavs core 4 this season Per-36 is insane pic.twitter.com/uq3oNXKYkK

— Adam Eaton (@eatonam) February 18, 2025​
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This is important because you rarely win an NBA championship without the best player in the world for any given season. The only exception is when a team is built with multiple stars who can bridge the gap together. Think of the 2004 Detroit Pistons, 2011 Dallas Mavericks or even the 2024 Boston Celtics. None of those teams relied on a super-duper star to carry them. They embraced team basketball in a way Aktinson currently has the Cavaliers playing.

Individual Growth​


While Atkinson deserves all of the credit in the world – there is another half to this story. As already stated, a coach can’t magically make the players something they aren’t. Bickerstaff had his limitations in Cleveland… but so did his players. Atkinson has inherited a far better version of the Cavaliers in what has created the perfect storm of coaching and player development.

Garland and Mitchell’s dilemma was more than a coaching issue. They had to learn how to play together. Mitchell took strides as a playmaker last season to abide by this. It was Garland who lagged behind Mitchell’s timeline – searching for the appropriate level of aggression to complement Mitchell’s scoring. He’s found that this season.

The Cavs hold the league’s best offense because Garland has developed into a complete player. He’s attacking the rim at a career-best rate, shooting three-pointers with confidence and wreaking havoc as a playmaker. Garland’s efficiency has made him the perfect backcourt partner next to Mitchell and a nightmare for opposing teams.

Meanwhile, Mobley has become a walking mismatch. He’s using his size to bully smaller defenders and his speed to torch slower bigs. Mobley’s confidence is surging with as many 25+ point games in one week of February as he did all of last season combined (3). His career-high of 18.5 points per game has unlocked so much for Cleveland because containing the backcourt is daunting when this version of Mobley is their release vale.

More, Mobley is shooting three-pointers at a rate nearly three times higher than a year ago. He’s jumped from 1.2 attempts per game to 2.8, all while shooting a career-best 37.8% from deep. This expansion of Mobley’s game makes his fit with Allen tangible. The Cavs are scoring 124.8 points per 100 possessions (96th percentile) with both bigs on the floor this season compared to just 112.8 points (36th percentile) the year before.

Staying True to Yourself​


The synergy between Cleveland’s core didn’t exist like this before. Coaching is a factor, yes. But multiple years of developing together is just as important. Continuity has given this team a chance to fill each other’s gaps. Even the supporting cast has greatly improved since the start, with the additions of Max Strus, Ty Jerome, Sam Merrill and now De’Andre Hunter giving the team enough firepower to truly compete.

The Cavs are a reminder that there is no singular blueprint for success in the NBA. Teams weren’t encouraged to shoot three-pointers before the Warriors broke through in 2015. The idea of a shambling big like Nikola Jokic leading a title team was laughable in today’s game before 2023. Doubts of Cleveland’s core might suffer the same fate if they continue to dominate this year.

There is still the biggest test of all, of course. Proving it in the playoffs. What the final months of the season bring is impossible to predict. But what we’ve learned so far is this: You can’t replicate what you don’t have. It would have been foolish for the Cavs to trade a member of their core four to become an inferior version of the Celtics (like a fellow Eastern Conference team did).

You can only play to your strengths in the NBA. Banking on internal growth was always the best shot Cleveland had at a title. Through 54 games, they have done that to the max.
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Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/2/20/24368164/the-cleveland-cavaliers-are-proving-everyone-wrong
 
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