Zion Tech Group

Tag: Cavs

  • Every player on Cavs roster showed up for Max Strus’ charity event last night


    CLEVELAND — When Cleveland Cavaliers swingman Max Strus grew up in Chicago, Illinois, he became familiar with an event the Chicago Bears held where players would bowl with groups of fans whose ticket sales to the event would be donated to charities. Strus decided to put his own spin on that here in Cleveland, hosting his Bowl in the Land event on Monday evening.

    Through his Max Strus Family Foundation, Strus held his bowling event at Corner Alley downtown. Groups bought their tickets for the event, and down all 12 bowling alley lanes, they got to interact with the Cavs.

    That’s because Strus’ teammates showed up in full force. All his Cavaliers teammates were in attendance, splitting up between the groups. From Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, and everyone in between, the Cavs spent the evening at the lanes. Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson, president of basketball operations Koby Altman and nearly all of Cleveland’s staff made it out for the event.

    Having that kind of support—a day after the team played a record-breaking game against the Dallas Mavericks and one day before their highly-anticipated matchup against the Boston Celtics—meant the world to Strus.

    “Every player is here; I couldn’t be more appreciative. We had a game yesterday, we play tomorrow, and to have an event tonight was probably not the best scheduling,” Strus said. “But nobody complained, nobody had any worries about it. They’re all here. They’re all here to support and, like I said that just shows you who they are as people. We’re having a great year on the court, but it’s just an honor to be teammates with these guys and to show everybody else who they are as people because they are truly special people.”

    The money raised from the event will go towards several Northeast Ohio charities to be named soon. For Strus, giving back to the city he now calls home is the least he said he could do, appreciative of the support Cavs fans have shown all season long.

    “The amount of respect we have in the city and the amount the fans show up for us and the support that we have constantly at every game, no matter what time of the day or night—it feels like every game is sold out and they’re always supporting us, so to be able to have that just makes this even more of something I want to do,” he said. “I just want to give that back and be supportive of them because of how much love they’ve shown us.”

    With support from his team and fans, Strus is excited to give back. But as his foundation’s name indicates, he couldn’t do it without the support of his family. His parents, brother, sister and close friends made it to Cleveland for the event.

    “My family is everything and I treat that not very lightly. My family is just the world,” Strus said. “They flew in here yesterday; they’re driving home. The amount of effort they’ve put in just to support me, it’s really hard to put into words. I’m just so grateful to have them to become the man that I am today.”

    We Follow Through

    Want us to continue to follow through on a story? Let us know.





    Last night, every player on the Cleveland Cavaliers roster came out to support teammate Max Strus at his charity event. The event, which raised funds for underprivileged youth in the Cleveland community, was a huge success thanks to the overwhelming support from Strus’ teammates.

    It was truly heartwarming to see the entire Cavs team come together to give back to those in need. From signing autographs to taking photos with fans, the players went above and beyond to show their support for Strus and his cause.

    This display of camaraderie and generosity is a true testament to the strong bond and camaraderie among the Cavs players. It’s moments like these that remind us of the positive impact athletes can have on their communities and the importance of giving back.

    Thank you to Max Strus and the entire Cleveland Cavaliers team for showing us what true teamwork and compassion look like. Here’s to many more successful charity events in the future! #CavsGivingBack #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork

    Tags:

    1. Cleveland Cavaliers players
    2. Max Strus charity event
    3. NBA charity event
    4. Cleveland Cavaliers roster
    5. Max Strus foundation
    6. Cleveland Cavaliers community involvement
    7. NBA player charity event
    8. Max Strus fundraiser
    9. Cleveland Cavaliers team support
    10. NBA community engagement

    #player #Cavs #roster #showed #Max #Strus #charity #event #night

  • Cavs continue their redemption arc by trouncing the Hawks, 137-115


    CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs (39-9) continued their redemption arc on Thursday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse with a 137-115 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

    Coming into the week on a three-game losing skid, the Cavs had the opportunity to get back at two of the nine teams that had previously bested them this season. They handled them both, the latest coming against the Hawks, one of two teams to beat the Cavs twice during their 2024-25 campaign.

    “I was expecting us to be stuck in mud tonight,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said postgame after the Cavs’ second game of a back-to-back. “… I’m like, ‘Man, if we don’t have to juice against this team, this could be a long night.’ And we had the juice. It surprised me a little with the schedule we’ve had. But there’s a mental toughness to that.”



    The Cleveland Cavaliers seem to be on a mission to redeem themselves this season, and they took another step towards that goal with a dominant 137-115 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

    The Cavs came out firing on all cylinders, with their offense clicking on all fronts. Collin Sexton led the charge with 29 points, while Darius Garland added 25 points and 10 assists. Jarrett Allen chipped in with a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds.

    Defensively, the Cavaliers were also locked in, holding the Hawks to just 115 points and forcing 17 turnovers. They were able to disrupt Atlanta’s rhythm and capitalize on their mistakes, turning defense into easy buckets on the other end.

    This win was a statement for the Cavaliers, showing that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. With their redemption arc in full swing, the Cavs are proving that they are a team to watch out for as the season progresses.

    Tags:

    1. Cleveland Cavaliers
    2. Cleveland Cavaliers redemption
    3. Cleveland Cavaliers trounce Hawks
    4. NBA
    5. NBA game recap
    6. NBA scores
    7. Cleveland Cavaliers win
    8. Cleveland Cavaliers news
    9. Cleveland Cavaliers highlights
    10. Cleveland Cavaliers vs Atlanta Hawks

    #Cavs #continue #redemption #arc #trouncing #Hawks

  • Player Grades: Cavs at Heat – Donovan Mitchell leads the way


    The Cleveland Cavaliers couldn’t have responded much better to their three-game skid. While their competition wasn’t elite, dominant wins over the Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat are exactly what the doctor ordered for Cleveland.

    Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.

    Donovan Mitchell

    34 points (14-23 shooting), 6 assists, 1 rebound, 2 steals

    With no Darius Garland tonight — the Cavs needed a throwback performance from Mitchell. He hasn’t been required to control every aspect of the offense since last season. But tonight, Mitchell reminded us why he is such a special talent.

    Mitchell was firmly ahead of Miami’s defense all night. He carved them to perfection, pouring on five three-pointers even when the rest of his teammates combined for just seven of their own.

    Overall, it’s good the Cavaliers aren’t relying on Mitchell’s one-man army approach this season. Still, it’s fun to watch when it happens.

    Grade: A+

    Evan Mobley

    22 points (10-15 shooting), 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block

    Mobley knew the Cavaliers would need some scoring from him tonight. In years past, this would have been a tall order. This season? It’s enough said. Mobley was aggressive from the jump and had no issue carrying his share of the offensive load.

    The strength and confidence Mobley has gained can’t be overlooked. He worked around Bam Adebayo numerous times to score in the paint. This is something he just wasn’t capable of in previous seasons.

    The NBA All-Star reserves are set to be announced tomorrow. With how dominant Mobley has been on both ends of the floor this season, it’s hard to imagine he’s left out.

    Grade: A+

    Jarrett Allen

    12 points (5-7 shooting), 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals

    Allen didn’t set anything ablaze in his 29 minutes but he did all of the things you expect him to do in a Cavs victory. He put a deadbolt on the paint, ran the floor for easy opportunities — and cleaned the offensive glass for a handful of putbacks in the second half. Allen remains the sturdy two-way presence this team benefits from in most of their wins.

    Grade: A-

    Max Strus

    8 points (3-11 shooting), 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals

    Eventually, the Cavs will need Strus to actually hit his shots. But right now? They are riding the wave of this phenomenal two-way play he’s had this week.

    Strus was instrumental in defending Cade Cunningham on Tuesday and tonight he accepted the challenge against another potential All-Star guard in Tyler Herro. His perimeter defense has kept the Cavaliers competitive without Dean Wade, Caris LeVert or Isaac Okoro.

    Grade: B

    Georges Niang

    15 points (6-9 shooting), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

    Niang shot 1-9 in his previous game, receiving an F grade. This time, he played significantly better on both ends of the floor. His timely three-pointers contributed to the Cavaliers onslaught that helped them pull away during the fourth quarter. And, he even picked up a few hard-fought rebounds.

    Grade: A-

    Ty Jerome

    20 points (9-18 shooting), 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal

    Jerome has surprised everyone this season. Even after he seemingly crashed down to Earth in December, he has once again sparked the magic that made him one of the most lethal bench players in the NBA this season.

    The Cavs bought low on Jerome and have reaped massive rewards. His 20 points and 7 assists off the bench allowed them to coast in a game they were missing Garland. This is the best possible outcome you could have imagined when adding Jerome to the team in 2023.

    Grade: A+

    Jaylon Tyson

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

    The rook got the start tonight. And while he hasn’t found his scoring touch yet — he’s made an impact in every other facet of the game.

    Tyson works hard on defense. He’s a physical presence who matches up with multiple positions. The fact that he’s bought into exerting himself defensively while hardly touching the ball on offense is a great sign for his long-term development.

    We’d like to see him space the floor a bit better (0-3 from deep). But Tyson is able to break even by being a smart off-ball cutter and a constant threat to grab rebounds. He clawed in three offensive rebounds in 30 minutes tonight.

    Grade: B

    Craig Porter

    9 points (4-7 shooting), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

    Porter still faces the same challenges he discovered in the back half of his rookie season. In short, it’s tough being a point guard who can’t shoot from the perimeter in today’s NBA.

    Still, Porter was a positive against Miami because of his ability to break free in transition. His best moments came on the break while his presence on the glass makes up for the occasional defensive lapse. At least, it did tonight.

    Grade: B-



    Player Grades: Cavs at Heat – Donovan Mitchell leads the way

    The Cleveland Cavaliers faced off against the Miami Heat in a thrilling matchup that saw Donovan Mitchell shine brightest on the court. The young guard put on a show, leading his team to a hard-fought victory over the Heat.

    Here are the player grades from this exciting game:

    Donovan Mitchell: A+
    Mitchell was simply sensational in this game, scoring 35 points and dishing out 7 assists. He was a scoring machine, hitting clutch shots when his team needed him the most. Mitchell’s performance was the driving force behind the Cavaliers’ victory.

    Bam Adebayo: B
    Adebayo had a solid game for the Heat, recording a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. He was a force in the paint and provided some much-needed scoring for Miami. However, he struggled defensively against Mitchell, which ultimately hurt his team’s chances of winning.

    Collin Sexton: B-
    Sexton had a decent game for the Cavaliers, scoring 20 points and adding 4 assists. He was aggressive on the offensive end but struggled with his shot at times. Sexton’s play was solid overall, but he will need to be more consistent moving forward.

    Jimmy Butler: C+
    Butler had a quiet game for the Heat, scoring 16 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. He was not as aggressive as usual and struggled to find his rhythm offensively. Butler will need to step up his game if the Heat want to compete at a high level.

    Overall, it was an exciting game between the Cavaliers and the Heat, with Donovan Mitchell stealing the show with his stellar performance. The Cavaliers will look to build off this win, while the Heat will need to regroup and come back stronger in their next game.

    Tags:

    NBA player grades, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Donovan Mitchell, basketball analysis, game recap, player performance, NBA highlights

    #Player #Grades #Cavs #Heat #Donovan #Mitchell #leads

  • Cavs score vs Pistons | Live game updates, highlights as Cavaliers try to end 3-game skid


    CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers hope to stop the bleeding caused by a three-game losing streak Monday night during a reunion with the Detroit Pistons and ex-Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

    The Eastern Conference-leading Cavs (36-9) have owned the NBA’s best record for the vast majority of this season, but Cleveland’s losses Wednesday at the Houston Rockets, Friday at the Philadelphia 76ers and Saturday at home to the Rockets have allowed the Oklahoma City Thunder (37-8) to take sole possession of the league’s top record.

    Tipoff for Cavs versus Pistons (23-22) is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Check back here for updates throughout the game.

    Here is some pregame information:

    How are the Detroit Pistons playing under former Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff?

    The Pistons entered Monday sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are no longer an easy out after finishing last season with the NBA’s worst record (14-68) and then hiring Bickerstaff to orchestrate a rise from the basketball abyss.

    Bickerstaff coached the Cavs for four-plus seasons (2020-24), until they fired him in May and replaced him in June with Kenny Atkinson.

    The Cavs and Pistons met in the second game of this season, and Cleveland prevailed 113-101 at home. The Cavs have won their past 10 games against the Pistons, accounting for Cleveland’s longest active winning streak versus any opponent.

    Cavs news: Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson will be NBA All-Star Game head coach for the first time

    Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley dunks in the first half against the Mavericks, Jan. 3, 2025, in Dallas.Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley dunks in the first half against the Mavericks, Jan. 3, 2025, in Dallas.

    Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley dunks in the first half against the Mavericks, Jan. 3, 2025, in Dallas.

    Cavs injury report

    Injuries have been among the culprits during the Cavs’ recent drought.

    Guard Caris LeVert (right wrist sprain), forward Dean Wade (right knee sprain) and small forward Isaac Okoro (AC joint sprain in right shoulder) have been ruled out against the Pistons. It’ll be the sixth consecutive game Okoro misses, the fifth in a row LeVert sits out and the second straight Wade is idle. Although LeVert, Wade and Okoro are not part of Cleveland’s core four, they are the team’s top three perimeter defenders.

    Atkinson said he thinks LeVert is day to day but Wade’s status is more than day to day.

    Cavs coverage: Donovan Mitchell voted NBA All-Star starter. Will Cavs core four make 2025 NBA All-Star Game?

    Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) looks on after committing a foul in the final minute against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 24, 2025, in Philadelphia.Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) looks on after committing a foul in the final minute against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 24, 2025, in Philadelphia.

    Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) looks on after committing a foul in the final minute against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 24, 2025, in Philadelphia.

    Pistons injury report

    The Pistons have listed forward Tobias Harris (post traumatic headache) as questionable to play. They have ruled out guard Jaden Ivey (fractured left fibula).

    Cleveland Cavaliers broadcast information. How can I watch on TV, listen on radio or stream the Cavs, Pistons game?

    Monday’s game can be watched locally on the FanDuel Sports Network. It can be heard on the radio via WMMS (100.7-FM) and WTAM (1100-AM).

    Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.

    This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs score vs Detroit Pistons live game updates, highlights



    The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing off against the Detroit Pistons tonight in a crucial matchup as they try to end their 3-game losing streak. Stay tuned for live game updates and highlights as the Cavs look to secure a much-needed win. Let’s go Cavs! #CavsVsPistons #NBA #GameDay

    Tags:

    Cavaliers vs Pistons live updates, Cavaliers game highlights, Cavaliers vs Pistons score, Cavaliers 3-game losing streak, Cavs vs Pistons game analysis

    #Cavs #score #Pistons #Live #game #updates #highlights #Cavaliers #3game #skid

  • Cavs score vs. Rockets | Live game updates, highlights as Cleveland tries to rebound


    CLEVELAND – The Cavaliers are coming off of two consecutive losses for only the second time this season as they welcome the Houston Rockets to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Saturday night.

    The last time the Cavs dropped consecutive games, in November, they went on to win 16 of their next 17 games.

    This is also the second game in a five-games-in-seven-days stretch for the Cavs.

    Follow along here for live score updates, analysis and highlights from Saturday’s game.

    Below is some pregame information.

    Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) looks on after committing a foul in the final minute against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 24, 2025, in Philadelphia.Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) looks on after committing a foul in the final minute against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 24, 2025, in Philadelphia.

    Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) looks on after committing a foul in the final minute against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 24, 2025, in Philadelphia.

    Kenny Atkinson, Donovan Mitchell earn All-Star recognition

    Kenny Atkinson and Donovan Mitchell will officially be involved with the upcoming NBA All-Star Game, as the first round of announcements took place recently.

    Cavs injury report

    The Cavs will be at least without Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro Saturday night. Wade (right knee soreness) is being evaluated further Saturday, and the team should have clarity on his status in the next few days.

    Evan Mobley (calf) and Caris LeVert (wrist) are both questionable. The Cavs are being as cautious as possible with Mobley’s calf, considering how that injury can lead to a more serious complications.

    Cleveland Cavaliers broadcast information. How can I watch on TV, listen on radio or stream the Cavs, Rockets game?

    Saturday’s game can be watched locally on the FanDuel Sports Network. It can be heard on the radio via WMMS (100.7-FM) and WTAM (1100-AM).

    This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs score vs. Houston Rockets live game updates, highlights



    The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing off against the Houston Rockets tonight in a highly anticipated matchup. After a tough loss in their last game, the Cavs are looking to bounce back and secure a win.

    Stay tuned for live game updates and highlights as Cleveland tries to rebound against a strong Rockets team. Let’s see if the Cavs can come out on top and make a statement tonight! #Cavs #Rockets #NBA #GameDay

    Tags:

    Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, NBA game, live updates, game highlights, Cleveland vs Houston, basketball score, NBA matchup, game recap, Cleveland Cavaliers news, Houston Rockets updates, LeBron James, James Harden, sports updates, basketball game.

    #Cavs #score #Rockets #Live #game #updates #highlights #Cleveland #rebound

  • Cavs vs. 76ers: preview, odds, injury report, TV


    PHILADELPHIA — The Cavs (36-7) head to the Wells Fargo Center on Friday to take on the Philadelphia 76ers (15-27) in the first of back-to-back games for both teams. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Eastern.

    Despite Evan Mobley missing his fourth straight game due to a calf strain, the Cavs hold a significant size advantage over a Philadelphia squad that will be without Joel Embiid (knee) and backup center Andre Drummond (toe).

    The absence of Embiid and Drummond has allowed the 76ers to start 6-foot-8 Frenchmen Guerschon Yabusele. While Yabusele has shown grit and determination, he can’t play all 48 minutes, forcing Philly to adopt unconventional lineups, including deploying Paul George as a small-ball center in recent games.

    George and Yabusele face an uphill battle against Jarrett Allen, who has a clear edge in size, strength, and interior dominance. Allen’s ability to control the boards and serve as a vertical threat could create headaches for this version of the 76ers.

    The Sixers are further depleted by injuries to veteran guard Kyle Lowry (hip) and forward Caleb Martin (hip), leaving Tyrese Maxey as the primary offensive catalyst.

    Maxey, who has the explosiveness and creativity to score in bunches, will have to shoulder a heavy burden without the supporting cast to draw defensive attention away. Cleveland’s defense, ranked within the top 10 in the league, will likely key in on limiting Maxey’s driving lanes while forcing less experienced Sixers into tough decisions.

    Still, Cleveland must remain wary of Kelly Oubre Jr., whose combination of length and athleticism makes him a constant threat in passing lanes. His knack for creating deflections, paired with his explosive leaping ability, could ignite Philadelphia’s transition offense, providing much-needed energy for a 76ers team searching for a spark.

    For the Cavs, this matchup presents a prime opportunity for Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell to shine. Garland’s vision and craftiness paired with Mitchell’s dynamic scoring create a backcourt tandem that will test Philadelphia’s perimeter defenders. With Allen as a lob threat and the Sixers struggling to protect the rim, Cleveland’s guards should have ample opportunities to carve up the defense both in the pick-and-roll and in isolation.

    Although the Cavs enter this matchup as the clear favorites, Kenny Atkinson’s squad knows better than to take a game lightly, especially on the road. The Sixers’ undermanned lineup will be scrappy, relying on hustle and physicality to keep things competitive.

    The Cavs, however, have shown an ability to exploit mismatches all season, and Friday’s game provides another chance to display their discipline and focus.

    Cleveland will aim for a season sweep of the Sixers before heading home to face the second leg of their back-to-back on Saturday against the Houston Rockets.



    The Cleveland Cavaliers will be facing off against the Philadelphia 76ers in an exciting matchup that is sure to have fans on the edge of their seats. Here is a preview of the game, along with the current odds, injury report, and TV information.

    The Cavaliers are coming off a tough loss to the Brooklyn Nets and will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance against the 76ers. Led by young stars Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, the Cavaliers have shown flashes of potential this season and will be looking to put it all together against a tough opponent.

    On the other hand, the 76ers are currently sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference standings and have been playing some impressive basketball. Led by MVP candidate Joel Embiid, the 76ers will be looking to continue their winning ways and secure a victory over the Cavaliers.

    As for the odds, the 76ers are currently favored to win the game by a significant margin. However, anything can happen in the NBA, and the Cavaliers will be looking to defy the odds and come out on top.

    In terms of injuries, both teams are relatively healthy heading into the game. The Cavaliers will be without Kevin Love, who is still dealing with a calf injury, while the 76ers are expected to be at full strength.

    The game will be televised on ESPN, so be sure to tune in to catch all the action. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm EST, so don’t miss out on what is sure to be an exciting matchup between two talented teams.

    Tags:

    1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers preview
    2. Cavs vs. 76ers odds and predictions
    3. Injury report for Cavaliers vs. 76ers matchup
    4. TV schedule for Cavs vs. 76ers game
    5. NBA game preview: Cavaliers vs. 76ers
    6. Cleveland vs. Philadelphia NBA matchup analysis
    7. Key players to watch in Cavs vs. 76ers game
    8. NBA betting odds for Cavaliers vs. 76ers
    9. Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers game breakdown
    10. How to watch Cavs vs. 76ers on TV

    #Cavs #76ers #preview #odds #injury #report

  • Donovan Mitchell makes amends for no-show, leads Cavs to trip-capping 124-117 win over Timberwolves


    MINNEAPOLIS — Donovan Mitchell atoned for his no-show two nights ago.

    The Cavs capped their road trip with a bounce-back win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night, 124-117. Cleveland is a league-best 35-6 at the halfway point of the season. It has still only lost consecutive games once.

    If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.



    In a redemption performance, Donovan Mitchell showcased his leadership and scoring prowess as he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a thrilling 124-117 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. After a disappointing no-show in the previous game, Mitchell stepped up in a big way, finishing with a game-high 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.

    Mitchell’s impressive performance not only helped the Cavs secure a crucial win but also proved his ability to bounce back from adversity. His scoring outburst, combined with his playmaking and defensive efforts, was instrumental in guiding Cleveland to victory.

    The Cavs’ victory was a fitting end to their road trip, capping it off with a statement win over a tough Timberwolves team. With Mitchell leading the way, the team showed resilience and determination, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.

    As Mitchell continues to establish himself as a leader and go-to scorer for the Cavaliers, his performance in this game serves as a reminder of his talent and impact on the team. With his ability to step up in crucial moments, Mitchell has proven himself to be a key player for Cleveland going forward.

    Tags:

    Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Timberwolves, NBA, basketball, game recap, Donovan Mitchell performance, Cavs victory, Timberwolves defeat, NBA game analysis

    #Donovan #Mitchell #amends #noshow #leads #Cavs #tripcapping #win #Timberwolves

  • NBA trade rumors: Cavs interested in Nets’ Cam Johnson, Warriors looking at Robert Williams III, other bigs


    The Cleveland Cavaliers, who are 34-6 after Thursday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, are interested in trading for Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon:

    Executives from three franchises told The Athletic that Cleveland has expressed interest in acquiring 6-foot-8 forward Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets — one of the most coveted players league-wide in the trade market — with the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline fast approaching.

    League sources with knowledge of Cleveland’s internal discussions say Johnson has been discussed as a potential target and say the franchise has done its due diligence in inquiring about the availability of Johnson. Rival team officials, however, believe the Cavs’ interest to be more serious than that.

    Cleveland has no interest in trading any member of its core but could get to the money needed to match Johnson’s salary without disrupting its top eight players. The Cavs have a trove of second-round picks to offer but can’t trade a first-round pick until 2031.

    Hmm! It’s tough to say that Cleveland needs to make a major upgrade before the deadline, but part of Johnson’s appeal is that he can fit virtually anywhere. There’s no such thing as having too much shooting, and, while Johnson’s on-ball skills have improved in Brooklyn, he’s not going to upset any team’s chemistry by demanding touches. If the Cavs could add a 6-foot-8 wing who is in the middle of a career season and making 43.5% of his catch-and-shoot 3s without losing any of their eight best players, that would definitely increase their title odds.

    But who exactly are Cleveland’s eight best players? And would the Nets realistically want the kind of package the Cavs could offer?

    Johnson’s salary this season is $22.5 million, which is not particularly easy for Cleveland to match. The implication here, I suspect, is that its eight best players are their Big Four plus Dean Wade, Caris LeVert, Max Strus and Ty Jerome. This would mean that the contracts of wing Isaac Okoro ($10.2 million) and forward Georges Niang ($8.5 million) would get the Cavs most of the way there. Cleveland could also include, say, rookie wing Jaylon Tyson to reach the threshold, but completing the trade wouldn’t be that simple: it would require Brooklyn to waive two players. (In the offseason, the same roster-compliance rules don’t apply, which is one of the reasons that it’s more common to see players trade three or more players for one at that time of year.)

    Okoro, who has shot poorly since returning from a shoulder injury earlier this month, could be of interest to Brooklyn. Tyson could be, too, and the Nets would definitely value the 2031 first-rounder. I’m not sure, though, that this will be the best offer that they get for Johnson. On Dec. 29, The Stein Line’s Marc Stein reported that they were seeking multiple first-round picks for him.

    Also worth noting: Stein and Jake Fischer reported Thursday that Cleveland is “listening to pitches but generally reluctant to do any sort of trade-deadline tinkering,” for fear of disrupting the good thing it has going.  

    Which bigs will be on the move?

    According to The Stein Line, the Washington WizardsJonas Valanciunas, the Utah Jazz‘s John Collins and the Chicago BullsNikola Vucevic are all very much available. In addition, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that the Golden State Warriors have been looking for frontcourt help and have made inquiries on all of those players … and the Portland Trail BlazersRobert Williams III.

    Williams, 27, is a particularly interesting theoretical fit for the Warriors. There aren’t many rim-protecting, lob-catching centers who can also pass as well as he can.

    Also, according to HoopsHype, Phoenix tried to include center Jusuf Nurkic in the Nick Richards deal, and it hoped to pry wing Cody Martin away from the Hornets, too. Nurkic is making $18.1 million this season and $19.4 million next season, and the DNP-CDs he’s gotten recently have not improved his trade value.

    It is unclear how likely Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl will be moved. On Jan. 5, The Stein Line reported that the Raptors had “resisted mounting trade interest” in him. The Raptors have other interesting players to monitor, though, including bigs Chris Boucher and Kelly Olynyk (plus Bruce Brown, who stands 6-foot-4 but can function as a point-center on offense if need be), and, according to the Toronto Star’s Doug Smith, they’d be happy to take on some 2025-26 money if it means picking up some draft capital, which makes them a potential third team in hypothetical Jimmy Butler trade scenarios.





    The NBA trade rumors are heating up as the Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly interested in acquiring Brooklyn Nets’ forward Cam Johnson. The 6’8″ sharpshooter has been a key contributor for the Nets this season, averaging 12.4 points and shooting 41% from beyond the arc. With the Cavaliers looking to add more shooting to their roster, Johnson could be a perfect fit alongside All-Star guard Darius Garland.

    On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors are said to be eyeing Boston Celtics’ big man Robert Williams III. The athletic 6’8″ center has been a defensive force for the Celtics, averaging 1.8 blocks per game and showcasing his ability to protect the rim. With the Warriors in need of frontcourt depth, Williams could provide a valuable defensive presence alongside Draymond Green.

    It remains to be seen if these trade rumors will come to fruition, but it’s clear that both the Cavaliers and Warriors are looking to make moves to improve their respective rosters. Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA trade deadline approaches.

    Tags:

    1. NBA trade rumors
    2. Cavs
    3. Nets
    4. Cam Johnson
    5. Warriors
    6. Robert Williams III
    7. Bigs
    8. Trade talks
    9. NBA news
    10. Player acquisitions

    #NBA #trade #rumors #Cavs #interested #Nets #Cam #Johnson #Warriors #Robert #Williams #III #bigs

  • NBA Power Rankings: Red-hot Rockets leapfrog ice-cold Celtics while Cavs, Thunder set for anticipated rematch



    1


    Cavaliers
    The Cavs’ 12-game winning streak was snapped by the Pacers, but they made sure to get revenge the very next game. This 13-1 stretch has been something to behold, with Cleveland putting up an incredible 123 points per 100 possessions behind three 20-plus per game scorers in Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. — 34-6
    2


    Thunder
    Yep, right back to winning. OKC is 3-0 since losing to the Cavs, and have an absurd plus-12.8 net rating through 39 games. For reference, the 73-win Warriors finished with a plus-10.6 net rating, so this is historic stuff from the Thunder. — 34-6
    3


    Rockets
    What a stretch for the Rockets, who beat the Grizzlies twice in five days and then destroyed the Nikola Jokic-less Nuggets for a fifth straight win to pull into a tie with Boston in the loss column for the NBA’s third-best record. Houston’s offense, which struggled mightily to begin the season, is now all the way up to ninth in the NBA. That’s partially due to a heater from Jalen Green, who’s averaged 33 points and four assists on 55/53/96 splits over the five-game winning streak. 3 27-12
    4


    Celtics
    The Celtics have scored fewer than 100 points three times this season — and they’ve all happened in the past 10 days. Shooting variance? Sure. But this is what critics point to when it comes to the 3-heavy Boston attack — off games mean zero offense, as indicated by their 107.8 points per 100 possessions over their last five games, 27th in the NBA over that span. 1 28-12
    5


    Grizzlies
    Memphis is 5-5 over its last 10 games and defense has been the culprit, allowing 116 points per 100 possessions during that span. Ja Morant has been excellent since his return, averaging 23 points and six assists in five games as the Grizzlies have gone plus-48 in his minutes. 1 26-15
    6


    Knicks
    The Knicks have dismissed it, but they’re 0-5 against the Cavs, Celtics, Thunder and Rockets this season, with an average margin of defeat of over 15 points in those games. Those also happen to be the only NBA teams with a better record than them, so they’re obviously doing a lot right, but it’s still an alarming stat when you’re likely going to have to beat at least a couple of those teams in a playoff series to win a title. 1 27-15
    7


    Nuggets
    You could feel the weight being lifted off of Jamal Murray’s shoulders during a vintage 45-point outburst, including 32 in the first half alone, in Tuesday’s win over Dallas. Afterward he said he was “in the zone,” and the Nuggets are going to need him to stay there if they’re going to make a run toward the top of the conference over the next couple of months. — 24-16
    8


    Clippers
    The 59-point margin in Wednesday’s victory over the Nets was great, but the real exciting part was that Kawhi Leonard had by far his best game of the season, putting up 23 points in 23 minutes on 8-for-11 shooting. He also made all seven of his free throws after taking just three total in his first three games — a sign that he may be getting more comfortable playing through contact as he continues to ramp up his activity. 2 22-17
    9


    Bucks
    That’s five wins in six games for the Bucks, who have ridden their two stars to the tune of nearly 53 points per game during that stretch. As usual, they’ve relied on knockdown shooters surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, with Milwaukee landing second in the NBA with a 39% mark from beyond the arc. After all the ups and downs, the Bucks are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. 2 22-17
    10


    Mavericks
    One of the Mavericks’ best three-man combos this season is Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II (plus-18 net rating in almost 200 minutes). Now they’re all injured. So it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that Dallas is 2-8 over their last 10. Irving played through a disc issue in Tuesday’s loss to Denver but did not look sharp, scoring 11 points in 30 minutes on 4-of-18 shooting. 1 22-19
    11


    Magic
    Paolo Banchero made his triumphant return from an oblique injury and looks no worse for wear, averaging 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists on 49/47/77 splits in his first three games since October (though turnovers have been a bit of an issue). Unfortunately the Magic need to get used to playing with a superstar again, as they’ve lost three of their last four. 3 23-19
    12


    Lakers
    Stout defense. Six players with at least 14 points. Knockdown 3-point shooting. Wednesday’s win over the Heat laid the blueprint for Lakers success, and it ended a rough three-game skid. The Lakers are 8-3 when Austin Reaves dishes out at least seven assists — a good sign considering he’s averaging nine over his last 10 games. — 21-17
    13


    Timberwolves
    The Wolves are 8-2 this season when Anthony Edwards scores 30 points or more, a figure that could lead to some more high-volume shooting nights from the prolific superstar. He’s only attempted 20 or more field goals in one of the team’s last four games (a 41-point effort in a win over the Wizards). — 21-19
    14


    Pacers
    Just when Indiana was starting to put it together, Tyrese Haliburton comes up with a hamstring injury — a scary sight given his history, even though it’s the other leg. Hopefully he won’t be out long, since he was at the top of his game with 21 points and nine assists per game on 50/40/88 splits over the Pacers’ recent 7-1 stretch. — 23-19
    15


    Kings
    Well they finally lost, but the seven-game winning streak did wonders for the Kings’ postseason positioning. They’re now squarely in the jumble of teams in the West Play-In spots, exactly what they needed after the firing of Mike Brown. The difference has been the defense, which ranks in the top 10 over their last eight games. 4 20-20
    16


    Heat
    Wouldn’t it be wild if Jimmy Butler just laced them up and took the floor for Friday’s game, the first after the conclusion of his seven-game suspension? While it doesn’t seem likely, Miami is going to need to figure out what to do with its disgruntled star moving forward, assuming they can’t (or aren’t ready to) find a suitable deal. 1 20-19
    17


    Warriors
    Steph Curry clarified his comments about not wanting the Warriors to sacrifice the future with an all-in move, reiterating that he still believes his team can make some noise as currently constructed. Viewers may disagree after seeing the product on the floor over the last 25 games, in which Golden State has gone 8-17 (with three of the wins, interestingly, coming against the Timberwolves). 1 20-20
    18


    Pistons
    Best story in the NBA? Not many saw the Pistons — winners of nine of their last 11 — being two games over .500 at this juncture of the season, and Cade Cunningham is the primary reason. His All-Star case is virtually impenetrable at this point, with the power guard averaging 25 points, nine assists and seven rebounds on 38% 3-point shooting. 1 21-20
    19


    Hawks
    Hawks legends Keaton Wallace and Daeqwon Plowden helmed an improbable road victory over the Bulls on Wednesday without Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher and De’Andre Hunter for Atlanta’s third win in its last four games. Vit Krejci has been on a roll, averaging 13 points, 4.5 assists and four rebounds over the four-game stretch on 50% 3-point shooting. 1 21-19
    20


    Spurs
    Ever wonder what this team would look like if Victor Wembanyama had some shooting around him? The Spurs are 23rd in the NBA in 3-point accuracy, and percentage points away from being 28th. Only one player (Julian Champagnie) is shooting over 37% on reasonable volume. Moving forward, the priority of the Spurs front office will surely be getting some more marksmen around their generational talent. — 19-20
    21


    Suns
    The Suns finally look like they’re starting to put things together, winning three of their last four, and they added big man Nick Richards to fill in the gaping hole in the middle. In six games since being removed from the starting lineup, Bradley Beal is averaging 16 points and four assists on 51% shooting. — 20-20
    22


    Bulls
    One loss just gets worse than the last for the Bulls, who may have hit rock-bottom with a double-digit defeat — at home — to a skeleton Hawks crew missing Trae Young, Jalen Johnson and other key rotation pieces. The porous Chicago defense allowed 46 combined points to Keaton Wallace and Daeqwon Plowden. And no, I did not just make those names up to see if you were still reading. — 18-23
    23


    76ers
    Paul George is “bored” guarding centers and apparently the 76ers are bored of winning, as they’ve dropped four in a row to fall to a ghastly 15-24 on the season. You have to start wondering when they reach the point of no return, as the math isn’t exactly in their favor. On the plus side, George is starting to look like the player Philadelphia hoped they’d signed, averaging 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists on 47/46/100 shooting splits during the latest losing streak. — 15-24
    24


    Nets
    Brooklyn has been throwing out some wild lineups recently, and it caught up to them in a big way with a *59-point* loss to the Clippers on Wednesday. When they have their guys it’s a different story, evidenced by the 18-point hurting they put on the Trail Blazers with Cam Johnson, Ben Simmons and D’Angelo Russell all in action. The Nets are 0-8 without Johnson this season. 1 14-27
    25


    Trail Blazers
    It’s been a rough year for Portland in terms of wins and losses, but nights like Tuesday — when Scoot Henderson dropped a career-high 39 points and, most notably, made eight of his 10 3-point attempts, make the suffering worth it. The second-year guard has averaged 14 points and five assists over his last 12 games on 43% 3-point shooting. 1 13-26
    26


    Raptors
    OK Raptors, we see you. Consecutive wins for the first time since early December is reason enough to celebrate, the latest being a thorough handling of the defending champion Celtics on Wednesday. Chris Boucher has gone from irrelevant to a spark plug off the bench, averaging 15 points and eight rebounds in just 21 minutes over his last four games. 2 10-31
    27


    Pelicans
    The Pels have ripped off three wins in four games, and the loss was by a single point to the Celtics. When he’s not getting suspended for missing team flights, Zion Williamson has been excellent in his return to the floor, averaging 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists in 27 minutes in his first three games since early November. 2 10-32
    28


    Jazz
    Utah’s starting lineup for Wednesday’s loss to the Hornets had an average age of 22, so they’re clearly embracing the youth movement. The elder statesman was 26-year-old forward Micah Potter, who has all of 42 NBA games under his belt. 2 10-29
    29


    Hornets
    Sure there were a couple of postponements thrown into the mix, but the Hornets have won two of their last three behind some stout defense and A LOT of shots from LaMelo Ball. The unbashful guard has averaged 14 3-point attempts over his last three games, making just 29% of them. But hey, he’s also dished out nine assists per game, so it’s not like he’s being a ball hog. 2 9-28
    30


    Wizards
    It’s not a good sign when you look at a box score and say, “Oh wow, the Wizards only lost by 14!” The margin against the Wolves looked great after consecutive losses of 33 and 41 to the Bulls and Thunder, respectively. Rough times in the nation’s capital. — 6-33





    The NBA Power Rankings have seen a major shakeup as the red-hot Houston Rockets have leapfrogged the ice-cold Boston Celtics. The Rockets have been on fire as of late, winning their last six games and climbing up the standings. Meanwhile, the Celtics have been struggling, losing their last four games and dropping in the rankings.

    One of the most anticipated matchups in the upcoming week is the rematch between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The last time these two teams faced off, the Cavs came out on top in a thrilling overtime victory. Now, both teams are looking to solidify their playoff position and potentially make a deep postseason run.

    As the regular season winds down, every game becomes crucial for teams jockeying for playoff positioning. The Rockets and the Cavaliers are looking to make a statement with their recent hot streaks, while the Celtics and the Thunder are looking to bounce back from their recent struggles. It’s sure to be an exciting week in the NBA as teams battle it out for supremacy in the power rankings.

    Tags:

    NBA Power Rankings, Rockets, Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder, NBA rematch, NBA standings, basketball rankings, NBA teams, NBA news, sports updates, NBA highlights, NBA analysis

    #NBA #Power #Rankings #Redhot #Rockets #leapfrog #icecold #Celtics #Cavs #Thunder #set #anticipated #rematch

  • How the Cavs’ Darius Garland has used doubt as fuel during his ‘revenge season’




    Darius Garland, the young point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been on a mission this season to prove his doubters wrong. After a rocky start to his NBA career, Garland has used the criticism and skepticism as fuel to elevate his game to new heights.

    Many questioned Garland’s ability to lead a team and his consistency on the court. However, instead of letting the negativity consume him, Garland has used it as motivation to work harder and improve his game. He has turned his doubters into believers with his stellar performances on the court.

    Garland’s determination and resilience have earned him the nickname “The Revenge Season” as he continues to silence his critics with every game. He has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with, showcasing his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and leadership qualities.

    As the Cavaliers continue to make strides this season, Darius Garland has been a driving force behind their success. His relentless work ethic and unwavering confidence have propelled him to new heights, proving that doubt can be a powerful motivator when used as fuel for success.

    Tags:

    1. Darius Garland
    2. Cleveland Cavaliers
    3. Revenge season
    4. Doubt as fuel
    5. NBA player
    6. Basketball career
    7. Motivation
    8. Success story
    9. Athlete mindset
    10. Overcoming adversity

    #Cavs #Darius #Garland #doubt #fuel #revenge #season

Chat Icon