Danny Cunningham here, the host of the daily Locked On Cavs podcast, with your daily Locked On Cavs newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Cavs and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Darius Garland Stars in Cavs Win Over Bucks
Darius Garland’s standout performance against the Milwaukee Bucks featured 39 points and eight assists on Monday night. With the Cavs now at an 8-0 record, tying the best start in franchise history, we explore how Garland’s resurgence is pivotal for the team’s success.
- Darius Garland’s Stellar Performance: Garland delivered an exceptional game, scoring 39 points, including 12 in the crucial fourth quarter. His ability to outplay Damian Lillard was instrumental in securing the Cavs’ victory. This performance marks a significant return to form for Garland, reminiscent of his All-Star days.
- Team Dynamics and Challenges: Despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks posed a formidable challenge with Lillard’s explosive play. However, Garland’s leadership and scoring prowess ensured the Cavs emerged victorious. The team has faced a grueling schedule, playing eight games in 13 days, yet they continue to demonstrate resilience and depth.
- Isaac Okoro’s Defensive Contributions: Okoro’s defense against Lillard was noteworthy, contributing significantly to the Cavs’ success. Despite Lillard’s impressive stats, Okoro’s efforts in limiting his impact were crucial, showcasing the Cavs’ defensive capabilities.
- Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley’s Impact: Allen’s key plays, including a game-sealing block, were vital in the win. Meanwhile, Mobley’s versatility and potential were on display, drawing comparisons to Antetokounmpo with his ability to cover the court and make impactful plays.
- Cavs’ Depth and Strategy: The team’s ability to win without over-relying on their starters is a testament to their depth. Missing key players like Dean Wade and Caris LeVert, the Cavs still managed to secure a win, highlighting their strategic rotations and bench strength.
Here’s something I love: The Detroit Pistons with a win record of 3-5, better than the combined record of the Bucks and the Sixers. Given Detroit’s slow start to the season, and that lopsided match against the Knicks last Friday, I thought we were in for another season where the best the Pistons could hope for was besting their last season record of 14-68.
Yes, there could still be a slump; yes, the play-in still feels like an aspirational goal for this team, but neither of those outcomes takes away from the truth of the matter which is, the league is better when the Pistons are competitive.
This is a franchise with a proud, hard-fought history, a winning history, and one that’s been hard to see these last few seasons under the tarnish of poor decision making and ill-timed coaching fits. Going back to Cade Cunningham’s rookie season, coached by Dwane Casey, that team and the iterations that followed were too good to be as bad as they appeared. Casey — who transitioned into a front office role with the team last season —is a great coach, if a touch old fashioned. Admittedly, I miss being more proximal to him for the Casey-isms alone he’d offer, e.g. More than one way to skin a cat. A front office, mentorship-driven fit was always the goal of Casey even as head coach, given the rebuilding stage the team was in and how in two years its median age of players dipped to one of the youngest in the league.
Skip to last season, Monty Williams’ brief tenure and that dismal aforementioned season record, and rather than treat it as an unfortunate blip, the Pistons young talent took it as a lesson. Cade is in his fourth season and has lost more than any of his five draft contemporaries he was in the running for Rookie of the Year with. Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, Jalen Green, Franz Wagner — these guys have certainly seen slumps, the nature of the Draft dictates likely being drafted to a struggling or rebuilding team, but they’ve also had their share of successes. Enough to keep them growing and developing. Cade has, in almost every way, had to take it upon himself to sift the lessons from the seasonal wreckage and keep his hope alive. That takes an incredible amount of discipline and fortitude.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Trade Cleveland Cavaliers are eyeing Portland’s Jerami Grant as a potential trade target to boost their roster’s depth and performance. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Evan Mobley’s impressive performance against Milwaukee Bucks went viral, showcasing his growing importance to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ lineup. (Sports Illustrated)
Feel good The Pistons had to take the subway to their game in Brooklyn because of the NYC marathon (ESPN)
Analysis Will the NBA pinpoint its 3 point problem? (TSA, Substack)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Is It Truly A Zach Edey Fantasy Basketball Breakout?
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) and guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center.|Photo by Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action was packed with thrilling games and standout performances, offering plenty of insights for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key matchups and player performances that could impact your fantasy strategy.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Bucks faced off against the Cavaliers in a closely contested game, with Cleveland edging out Milwaukee 116-114. Giannis Antetokounmpo was sidelined with an adductor issue, which opened the door for Bobby Portis to shine. Portis delivered an impressive 21 points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks, showcasing his potential when given extended minutes. Damian Lillard also had a strong outing with 36 points and seven assists, while Brook Lopez contributed defensively with four steals and two blocks.
Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Wizards
The Warriors secured a road victory against the Wizards, 125-112. Stephen Curry returned to action, scoring 24 points in limited minutes. Buddy Hield continued his hot streak with 20 points, but his current shooting efficiency may not be sustainable. For the Wizards, Jordan Poole put up 24 points, but his high block and steal numbers suggest a potential sell-high opportunity.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons pulled off a win against the Lakers, 115-103. LeBron James and Anthony Davis both had strong performances, with Davis scoring 37 points despite an ankle injury scare. Jaden Ivey impressed for Detroit, solidifying his status as a must-roster player with his improved play this season.
Darius Garland and Damian Lillard had a classic battle on Monday night, with Garland putting up 39 points and eight assists on the way to Cleveland’s eighth straight win to open the season.
The Cavs have been the best team in the NBA and they’re doing it thanks to a number of different improvements on both sides of the court. Learn exactly what the Cavs are doing differently than before and how they can still get better.
Donovan Mitchell moved the Cavs to 7-0 with a game-winner against the Milwaukee Bucks coming with just 0.3 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Cavs overcame a 16-point first half deficit in the win.
