The Cleveland Cavaliers started the 2nd half the season guests, at Capital One Arena in D.C., taking on the Bradly Beal lead Wizards. Beal was snubbed from an All-Star spot even though his numbers beg to differ, 29pts, 6 assists, and 45% FG. He didn’t disappoint but exceeded our expectations when he made newly acquired center, Andre Drummond, 2nd string in the poster of a Monster Jam, reminding us of Kobe. Drew Gooden, calling the game said, “No, it’s not Sunday, but Andre Drummond just got baptized,” while Beal flexed and let out a grizzly shriek. The Cavaliers were led by their new head coach, J. B. Bickerstaff, after the firing of John Beilein. Beilein’s inability to make the jump from college to the pro’s, was clear in the frustration of the players. Instead, a new coach went with his gut, as Austin Carr said, “Coach road those players,” referring to the prolonged playing time for the 2nd unit, which managed to secure the W on the road, 113-108.
Honestly, I haven’t watched a full Cavs game this year, why would I, but I had nothing better to do, resting up for the links on a Friday night. After the NBA had made some reach into my sphere with the glamorous All-Star weekend in Chicago, something it hasn’t been able to do all year, I submitted to see if the make-over the Cavs got, would get me feeling juicy. Would they be able to bring me back to South Florida; selling clippers, lotion sets, and BBQ utensils door to door in 95 degrees, with the battle cry, J.U.I.C.E., Join Us In Creating Excitement or lay an egg? The 1st quarter resembled a D-league All-Star game, 41-32, no defense or effort. Drummond was trying too much to prove himself and the passing remained nonexistent.
The NBA of today doesn’t feel like competitive team sports, instead, it resembles one on one isolation street ball. How many times can a viewer be tortured by a James Harden step back 3, while the rest of the team takes a water break and texts. Every team is obsessed with the 3 ball and the Warrior way. The law of averages of jacking up quick 3’s, has diminished the brand. Drummond even bricked one up from long distance, trying to reach out and touch someone. I long for the days of LeBron’s first run with the Cavs, the art form that was Wine and Gold, pure passion, expression, and teamwork.
Somehow the Cavaliers hung around, even though they were down by 16 at one point. Cedi Osman had the hot hand in game, bailing the team out quietly and finishing with 16 pts and 10 rebounds. The 3 blocks in the 4th quarter, (Once real play began) by Tristin helped swing the momentum in the Cavs direction. TT played hard after being demoted to the bench, having to make room for Andre. Both these Biggs have something to prove and healthy competition never hurt. Colin Sexton is emerging as a talent, a star, and put the responsibility on his shoulders, scoring 14 of his 25 pts in the 4th. The rookie, Garland, added 15, Drummond, 12 and 12, TT, a double double, and Kevin Love had 16 pts and 12 rebounds. A very balanced and full stat sheet for Bickerstaff’s first win was promising.
J. B. seemed to have command of the game and his players, even though Porter Jr. was ejected after he could do nothing right except foul, punching the wall and untucking his jersey on the way out. He had faith in the bench and let players like Nance Jr.; stay out there longer than expected. Larry finished with 13 pts, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. The added spark from Dante Exum’s sweeping hook in the lane resulted in 10 pts off the bench that Beal’s 26 pts couldn’t contain. The former coach didn’t have the stomach for the NBA’s mood swings to feel out W’s but Tristen let us in on J.B.’s approach, “Let’s get gritty, let’s mess up other team’s season, let’s be the spoiler,” he said of the new coach’s vision in the postgame interview. When TT was questioned about his young teammates, “They’re just out there hooping,” “The kid is special,” referring to Garland, and what he learned from coach, “To play with a grit,” “And bring that to Northeast Ohio.” I hope they continue to play for J.B., each other, and The Land. That would bring me back to the Q.
