dailynewsnblog
The Cleveland Cavaliers obliterated the Brooklyn Nets 112-84 in their first game back from the All-Star break. Let’s see who won the night.
WINNER – Jarrett Allen
“I’m running out of things to say about Jarrett Allen,” Donovan Mitchell said after the game.
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Same, Donnie.
I really don’t know what else to say about Allen that we haven’t already seen in the previous seven games. He’s crashing the glass. He’s playing with authority and forcing his way into the paint. Allen started tonight by burying an elbow jumper just to prove he can do it.
I mean, seriously. An elbow jumper?
Allen’s played with a newfound aggression that predates the James Harden acquisition. Harden has only added more fuel to the fire. He’s now getting more opportunities than before and making the most of them. Allen has recorded a double-double in six of Cleveland’s seven wins (falling just short with 9 rebounds against the Wizards).
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LOSER – Second Chance Points
This was a rough night on the glass for every Cavalier not named Jarrett Allen.
Charlotte grabbed 23 offensive rebounds for 37 second-chance points. That’s the type of thing that should result in a loss 99% of the time. Thankfully, the Cavs managed to grab key rebounds and play good defense outside of those second-chance opportunities. But man… did they have to fight for it.
Part of this can be explained by the Hornets launching 56 three-point attempts. All of those threes led to long rebounds, which have historically been a weak point for the Cavaliers. They don’t have many rebounders in the backcourt who can successfully win those 50/50 balls.
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This isn’t an excuse, rather an explanation. The Cavs are a good defensive rebounding team when both Allen and Evan Mobley are available. They became a below-average team when one of them is off the floor. That’s a straightforward fact that’s been true since the core four era began. Don’t expect it to change now.
WINNER – The Bench
The Hornets made this game interesting. And while the Cavalier starters ultimately closed this game out, I can’t give enough credit to the bench for swinging momentum multiple times throughout.
Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis are brothers in causing mayhem. They combined for five steals and wreaked havoc in the passing lanes. Two pesky, athletic guards who never stop harassing their opponent are a good thing to have on your side.
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“Sometimes he [Ellis] gets a deflection, and you don’t even see how it happens,” said Kenny Atkinson after the game.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin deserves a shout-out, too. He didn’t come up with any stocks tonight, but he’s always aggressive and isn’t afraid to get physical. Of course, that’s all true for Jaylon Tyson, as well. The Cleveland bench has become one of the nastiest groups in the league, and that toughness is something the Cavs haven’t always had.
