Maybe, just maybe, the Cleveland Cavaliers are for real. Last night, against the 76ers(2-1), Cleveland continued to surprise as they blew out the Joel Embiid-less Sixers 118-94 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Cavaliers C Andre Drummond had a game-high 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Collin Sexton added 22.
Cleveland is now 3-0 for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
Philadelphia was without Embiid, who missed the game due to back tightness.
Obviously, many are surprised by the Cavs’ 3-0 start, and according to Drummond, Cleveland is still considered an underdog.
“Right now, we are the underdogs, and guys in the NBA don’t think we’re gonna be a very good team,” Drummond said after the game. “I think thus far these past couple of games we’ve done a great job of really showing we’re here to play each and every night. No matter who’s on the court.”
One of the keys to Cleveland’s success this season is their ability to move the ball. Of the Cavaliers’ 48 made field goals, 31 came off assists last night, led by point guard Darius Garland, who had 14 points and seven assists.
“We are just doing a really good job of getting everybody involved from top to bottom,” Drummond said. “Point guard onto the guys that come in for the starters. We’re doing a great job of being unselfish and really finding the open guy. Guys are taking the open shots and making them.”
Cleveland is buying into everything head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is selling right now. Playing the 76ers was a test, and the Cavaliers aced it. We are only three games in, but Cleveland appears to be a team that will continue to surprise many this season.
Notes:
-Cavaliers F Kevin Love left the game in the second half with a calf injury and is expected to get an MRI on Monday. The 12-year veteran missed the season-opener due to the calf injury
-Cleveland held the 76ers to 41% from the field and scored 35 PTS off 22 turnovers. This was second straight game they have forced more than 20 turnovers and held an opponent to under 42% from the field.
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