The Cleveland Cavaliers began the regular season in Brooklyn against the Nets.
Cleveland was without their starting center Jarrett Allen (ankle), but ultimately, they got the job done as they defeated the Nets 114-113 on Wednesday night.
The Cavs(1-0) led 114-113 late, and the Nets(0-1) had a chance to take the lead; however, Cam Thomas missed a three, and Cam Johnson missed the follow at the buzzer.
Here’s the Great, Not So Great, and the Bottom Line of the Cavs’ win over the Nets.
Great:
Max Strus made his Cavs’ debut and was big time. He had a team-high tying 27 points, including seven threes and 12 rebounds; this was Strus’ third double-double of his career. Last season, the small forward position was a mess for Cleveland, and Strus may have solved it.
Strus was big early, and Donovan Mitchell, who also had 27 points, was big late. With the Cavs trailing 111-105 with 1:24 left in the fourth, the game appeared over, but Mitchell changed that. He hit a pull-up jumper that closed the gap to four. After two free throws from Strus cut the lead to 111-109, Mitchell would get a steal and breakaway jam to tie the game at 111 with 41.4 seconds to go. Following two Mikal Bridges free throws that gave the Nets a 113-111 lead, Mitchell would drain a three with 12.7 seconds to go, and the Cavs would get the win. Mitchell also added five rebounds, six assists, and four steals.
Isaac Okoro got the start for Allen, and he delivered. He had 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Not So Great:
Rebounding: Cavs were outrebounded 50-37 by the Nets, which is expected without your leading rebounder Jarrett Allen.
Defense: Without your rim protector, Allen, Cleveland’s defense wasn’t great on Wednesday night. They allowed Brooklyn to shoot 50% from the field. Once Allen returns, the defense should be better.
Bottom Line:
Mitchell did what stars do down the stretch, make plays. Cleveland should have lost this game, but having a great player can help you steal games, and the Cavs stole this one from the Nets.
What’s Next:
Cleveland will have its home opener on Friday against the Thunder.
Best of the Rest:
Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas had a game-high 36 points in 25 minutes off the bench. Bridges added 20, and Ben Simmons had four points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
The Cavs had six players in double figures, including all five staters. Garland added 15 points and five assists. Caris LeVert chipped in with 11 points off the bench.
Cleveland picked up their first win in a road season-opener since Oct. 31, 2000.
