Random dribbles following the Cavaliers’ 100-98 squeaker of a home victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.
1. It wasn’t a great win, but it was a win. And considering how the Cavs looked in their previous two games, that makes this win at least feel great.
2. Basically, the Cavs (10-11) needed a win. Any win would do. They played hard and did what needed to be done defensively, managing to escape despite missing center Andre Drummond (sore lower back) and forward Larry Nance Jr. (wrist). Hey, the Cavs will take it.
3. This meant that Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff had to start Jarrett Allen for the first time since Allen came over in the trade with the Brooklyn Nets. It also meant the Cavs would likely need even more from Allen, as well as the starting backcourt of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland.
4. All three delivered.
5. Sexton never disappoints, scoring a game-high 26 points. Allen was fantastic, finishing with 23 points and a massive 18 rebounds. And Garland did a nice job of running the offense on his way to 17 points and 11 assists.
6. Garland looked more like a true playmaker than at any other point this season. He didn’t do a good job of that in Sunday’s loss at Minnesota. You can’t help but think Bickerstaff may have talked to him. Or maybe Garland just recognized it on his own. Either way, Monday was significantly better.
7. Perhaps the most telling team stat was that the Cavs gave up zero fast-break points. Granted, the woeful Wolves (5-15) aren’t exactly the Showtime LA Lakers of Magic Johnson and James Worthy — but the Cavs can only beat who they play. And they got back to their defensive principles on this night. They even finished with a whopping 12 blocked shots.
8. This is all good, considering they are about to enter far and away their toughest stretch of the season. They host Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers on Wednesday, followed by a back-to-back set against Giannis Antetekounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday and Saturday, both also at home. After that, the Cavs leave for a six-game trip out West.
9. I was doing some thinking … always a dangerous activity at my age ,.. but it led to me wondering if Leonard will even play vs. the Cavs. He does tend to take off some games for rest. Antetokounmpo could also sit one of the two games this weekend.
10. Anyway, back to Monday. Taurean Prince struggled with his shooting (2-of-10), but did manage to collect eight rebounds and make some hustle plays. His two free throws at the end iced the game. Also, Cedi Osman scored 10 points and grabbed seven boards off the bench.
11. Earlier, I wrote that the Cavs are looking to trade Drummond and Kevin Love. That’s not a surprise. You can read a little more about that here.
12. Guard D’Angelo Russell led Minnesota with 18 points. No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards scored 13, one night after lighting up the Cavs with 23. I like Edwards’ game. I don’t think he’ll be the next Dwyane Wade, but he could be prime Victor Oladipo.
BOX SCORE | Cavs 100, Timberwolves 98
