Random dribbles following the short-handed Cavaliers’ 100-93 preseason road loss to the Knicks on Wedneday.
1. You want to talk about U-G-L-Y. That was this game. Let’s just say there’s a reason why you don’t put too much stock in these scrimmages, good or bad.
2. Or let’s put it this way — the Knicks finished a miserable 8-of-34 shooting on 3-pointers, and still won. It’s not that the Cavs (or this version of them) defended the perimeter well. It’s just that the Knicks couldn’t shoot. It’s a good thing, or this would have been a blowout.
3. Nearly every member of the Cavs that you’ve heard of was out. In fact, you’d have to be a pretty big fan of the Canton Charge to know who was actually in uniform.
4. Missing for the Cavs: Collin Sexton (ankle), Kevin Love (calf), Cedi Osman (ankle), Larry Nance Jr. (concussion), Matthew Dellavedova (ditto), Dante Exum (hip), Kevin Porter Jr. (personal) and Charles Matthews (knee).
5. That’s EIGHT guys. And new acquisition JaVale McGee still hasn’t played. I’m not sure why.
6. So the lineup was basically Andre Drummond, Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro and a bunch of guys who are trying to crack the rotation. Or more accurately, make the team.
7. But hey, that’s what the preseason is all about. You want to get a look at who can be the next Diamond in the Really Rough.
8. Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff on the auditions: “Whether it’s here or somewhere else, they’re getting an opportunity to be seen throughout the league. What can you do for the team with so much at stake for you personally and your career? Can you still play the right way? Are you still selfless? Are you still willing to compete?”
9. For most of the Cavs in the lineup Wednesday, the answer was yes. They did play hard in building an 18-point lead in the second half. They just ran out of gas.
10. Drummond finished with team-highs of 18 points and 14 rebounds. It’s safe to say he has a spot on the team.
11. Garland went for 13 points and finally was able to compile some assists, finishing with five. He had three in the first two preseason games combined.
12. Okoro scored 10 points and had some nice moments. But he mostly looked like a rookie playing his first NBA road game. For instance, he picked up a foul nine seconds into trying to guard Knicks guard/forward RJ Barrett.
13. Newbie Thon Maker started at power forward, and looked just OK. Another newcomer, Damyean Dotson, started at shooting guard. Let’s just say he also probably cemented his status as a guy who will be coming off the bench.
14. You did have to like what you saw from Dylan Windler, playing just his third NBA game after sitting out last season with a leg injury. Windler was active on his way to recording 11 points in reserve.
15. Still, as I’ve written before, you can’t really get an idea of what may await with preseason games. It’s like one step above summer league. Rookies give great effort, veterans sort of go through the motions, and it seems like almost no one feels like playing by the time the fourth quarter rolls around.
16. More Bickerstaff: “We’ve all seen it. There’s been that guy that has stood out in preseason, and ended up making a team and then his career has gone on to be extremely successful. We’ve also seen it the other way. We’ve seen guys come in and press and try to get their numbers, and it doesn’t work out for them.”
17. That, folks, is the NBA preseason in a paragraph.
18. Julius Randle and Kevin Knox each scored 18 to lead the Knicks. Barrett scored 16 and at times was the best player on the court. Rookie Obi Toppin (Dayton) had a solid game with eight points and seven boards.
19. Meanwhile, it’s hard to know when we will see Porter. The Cavs sure aren’t giving any clues. Porter ran into some legal issues and has barely practiced.
20. Bickerstaff on KPJ: “We’ve put a plan in place and we’ve stood by that plan. We’re making sure that all things are met before we take steps forward with him in mind and the team in mind as well.”
21. So, there you have it. Thankfully, there’s only one more exhibition left. That’s Friday, also at New York. After that, the real Cavs begin.
