The Cavaliers road woes continue, as they go 2-2 on the week. If this team learns to win on the road, I am truthfully not sure If any team in the NBA is better.
Game 1, @The Phoenix Suns: This was probably the easiest game of the week, as the Suns were VERY shorthanded. Down Chris Paul and Devin Booker, but they still came to play and kept it close in the first half. Duane Washington Jr showed up and showed out, leading all scorers with 25 points. But in the middle of the third quarter, the Cavs did what they always do and went on a big run. Garland and Mitchell led the way with 22 points each, and Allen looked much better vs Ayton than he did last go around. Allen grabbed 15 boards and scored 13 points and was a huge part in this cavs W. Cavs win 114-98.
Game 2 @The Utah Jazz: Endgame Meltdown, Version 15,980? The Cavs typically play their game on the road and seem as if they’re going to win… until they beat themselves. Whether it’s a Caris Levert flagrant, our stars bricking shots they shouldn’t be taking, or a player fouling out, we always find new ways to lose at the last minute on the road. Credit here goes to Jordan Clarkson, who really came alive late for the Jazz and scored 32 points including some huge clutch shots for the Jazz. Ultimately Mitchell’s 46 points weren’t enough, as the Jazz take the W 116-114.
Game 3 @The Portland Trailblazers: If you for some odd reason didn’t think Lilliard was a top 3 PG before, you should now. Dame went insane here, scoring 50 but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cavs late onslaught. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen had double doubles in the Cavs win, and Mitchell led the way for Cleveland with 26 points and a couple clutch threes. When this offense is clicking, It’s REALLY clicking. This was likely the best Allen has looked all season, offensively. This was also one of the Cavs best displays of their elite defense as no one aside from Lilliard could buy a bucket late. Cavs win, 119-113 in Portland.
Game 4, @The Minnesota Timberwolves: Yet again, a late game road breakdown. Mitchell was dealing with an illness here, and you could tell. The Cavs offense never got going until the third quarter, and then faltered completely in the fourth while the Timberwolves seemed to hit anything they threw up, bad shot or not. Evan Mobley missed some time this game which was unfortunate, as he was having a great first half before going down with an injury. He returned and finished with 19, but it was too little too late. Mitchell and Allen led the Cavs with 19 each. Anthony Edward’s led the wolves with 26, as they beat the Cavaliers 110-102 in Minnesota.
All stats provided courtesy of NBA.com
John Zimmerman