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.
Are the Cleveland Cavaliers a Championship Contender?
I chatted with Katie Heindl from Basketball Feelings and the Locked On Daily Newsletter on today’s Locked On Cavs. Let’s get into it!
- Darius Garland’s Resurgence:
- Darius Garland has returned to All-Star form, significantly contributing to the Cavs’ undefeated streak. His clutch performances have been pivotal, earning him the Eastern Conference Player of the Week title.
- Garland’s maturity and leadership on the court have been evident, especially in high-pressure situations. His ability to maintain composure and deliver in the clutch has been a game-changer for the team.
- Donovan Mitchell’s Role:
- Donovan Mitchell, a known superstar, has shown a willingness to adapt and share the spotlight with Garland. This flexibility has been crucial in the Cavs’ offensive success.
- Despite being a high-caliber player, Mitchell has embraced a more collaborative approach, enhancing team dynamics and contributing to the Cavs’ cohesive play.
- Evan Mobley’s Development:
- Evan Mobley’s offensive growth has been a pleasant surprise, allowing Mitchell to take a step back and focus on team play. Mobley’s improvement has added depth to the Cavs’ offensive strategies.
- Kenny Atkinson’s Influence:
- The transition from J.B. Bickerstaff to Kenny Atkinson has brought noticeable changes in the Cavs’ playstyle. Atkinson’s approach emphasizes small adjustments and player strengths, leading to a historically strong offensive performance.
- Atkinson’s ability to integrate bench players effectively has been a key factor in maintaining the team’s energy and performance throughout games.
- Team Chemistry and Trust:
- The Cavs’ success is rooted in strong team chemistry and trust, both among players and with the coaching staff. This has been fostered through strategic training camps and a focus on building relationships.
- The team’s depth and ability to rely on various players have been instrumental in their undefeated run, showcasing the importance of a well-rounded roster.
- Looking Ahead:
- With the current momentum, the Cavs are positioned as strong contenders for the NBA Finals. Their ability to adapt and evolve throughout the season will be crucial in maintaining their success.
- The focus on conditioning and strategic player rotations is expected to pay off in the long run, especially as the team prepares for potential playoff challenges.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow the Cavs’ journey this season. With their current trajectory, the future looks bright for Cleveland basketball.
Klay Thompson’s homecoming to The Bay started well before he hit the floor last night at Oracle with the Mavs and roughly 19,000 fans started waving nautical Captain hats.
It started mid-way through last season, when Golden State didn’t signal they’d immediately be resigning Thompson as the franchise had, up to then, always been in a hurry to. There were shades of it along with Thompson’s frustrations in his game changing, the splashy shots not falling as fluidly as they used to. Clues came in the way the Warriors felt their frustrations as a team: once together, a cohesive unit, and then splintering and individually.
“Even from July, when Klay decided to go to Dallas to us showing up for training camp and him not being here, it was kind of like a slow build to this night for everybody,” Warriors point guard, Steph Curry, said after last night’s game.
Basketball isn’t played in a vacuum, and Curry sharing the psychic and emotional timeline of the team underscores that in a rare glimpse behind the curtain. Sometimes its brightest full-circle moments have to struggle through discomfort, angst and loss in order to come back around. Often, the storylines with the most ups and downs are the ones that end the most cathartically.
Since this season began, Thompson’s been candid about how necessary the move to Dallas was for him. “Every pro athlete’s human, and uncertainty can bear on you,” he told ESPN prior to Tuesday night’s homecoming game.
“Honestly, it’s rejuvenated me and done something I needed bad just for my mental [state] and my career,” Thompson said.
It’s a knife’s edge between animosity for an athlete’s who’s left a franchise they share a storied history with and sympathy for their decision. What tips fans to one side or the other can skew personal, so isn’t always easy to predict, but Thompson’s tendency toward honesty helps. He’s always been someone who wears what he’s feeling on the floor openly, and for that fans — for the most part — respond with empathy. There’s a sense that through all the years he played for the Warriors there was an open conduit of conversation between him and the fanbase.
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
Analysis Kenny Atkinson’s in-game adjustments have been pivotal for the Cavaliers, turning close calls into victories and showcasing his coaching prowess. (Sports Illustrated)
Injury Darius Garland opens up about his season-altering injury from last year, reflecting on its impact and his journey to recovery. (Sports Illustrated)
Legacy Klay Thompson feels “free” after his late-career move to Dallas. (ESPN)
Fantasy Basketball Takeaways From Tuesday - Robert Williams Day
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Moda Center. |Photo by Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Tuesday’s NBA games offered a wealth of insights for fantasy basketball managers. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways and strategic moves you should consider:
Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic
- Grant Williams: With his move to the starting lineup, Williams is a viable short-term pickup, especially while the Hornets deal with injuries. His ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him a solid addition in deeper leagues.
- Moussa Diabate: Diabate’s rebounding prowess is noteworthy, especially with the Hornets’ frontcourt injuries. He’s a strong option for those in need of rebounds in deeper formats.
- Franz Wagner: Wagner’s performance underscores his value, particularly with Paolo Banchero out. Consider selling high if you can get a top-tier player in return, as his current production may dip once Banchero returns.
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons
- Tyler Herro: After a 40-point explosion, Herro is a prime sell-high candidate. His shooting percentages are unlikely to sustain, so capitalise on his current form to bolster your roster.
- Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey: Both players showed their potential to fill the stat sheet. Cunningham remains a must-start, while Ivey’s bounce-back game suggests he’s worth holding onto for his upside.
Garland has been a big reason why the Cavaliers have been the NBA’s best team. His numbers in the clutch have been outstanding for Cleveland this year.
Finding a Way Against the Brooklyn Nets The Cavs didn’t look great on Saturday, struggling on the second night of a back-to-back. Despite trailing by more than 10 points in the second half, the Cavs found a way to win thanks to key adjustments by Kenny Atkinson.
