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.
Lucky No. 13 for the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have kicked off the season with an impressive 13-game winning streak, highlighted by a thrilling victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite missing key players like Joel Embiid and Paul George, the 76ers put up a strong fight, but it was Donovan Mitchell’s stellar performance in the fourth quarter that sealed the win for the Cavs. Let’s break down the key moments and insights from this game and what it means for the Cavaliers moving forward.
- Donovan Mitchell’s Clutch Performance: Mitchell was the standout player, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter, with 11 of those coming in the final three minutes. His ability to step up when needed was crucial, especially since the Cavs hadn’t required him to be a superstar in many games this season.
- Shooting Struggles and Resilience: The Cavs faced shooting difficulties throughout the game, particularly in the second half. However, Mitchell’s late-game heroics and his near triple-double performance, with 9 assists and 13 rebounds, showcased his all-around contribution.
- Darius Garland’s Consistent Excellence: Garland also had a strong game, finishing with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. His performance throughout the season has been pivotal, and his ability to close games alongside Mitchell makes the Cavs a formidable opponent.
- Fatigue and Scheduling Challenges: The Cavs have played 13 games in 22 days, a grueling schedule that has contributed to some subpar performances. They share this challenging schedule with only a few other teams, like San Antonio, which explains some of their sluggishness.
- Target on Their Backs: As one of the few teams in NBA history to start a season 13-0, the Cavs are now the team to beat. Every opponent is eager to end their streak, as seen in the intense efforts from teams like the 76ers and the Bulls.
- Kenny Atkinson’s Coaching Impact: Atkinson’s strategic decisions have been instrumental in the Cavs’ success. His willingness to experiment with lineups and defensive strategies, such as the box-and-one defense, has paid off, keeping opponents on their toes.
- Upcoming Challenges: The Cavs face a tough schedule ahead, with games against teams like the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics. Each game presents a new challenge as opponents aim to be the first to defeat the unbeaten Cavs.
- Backcourt Brilliance: The dynamic duo of Mitchell and Garland is proving to be one of the best backcourts in the league. Their chemistry and ability to close games make the Cavs a difficult team to defend against.
As the Cavaliers continue their remarkable start, the focus remains on maintaining their momentum and overcoming the challenges of a demanding schedule. With Mitchell and Garland leading the charge, and Atkinson’s strategic acumen, the Cavs are poised to keep their winning streak alive.
Traditionally, press defenses are a weapon of last resort in the NBA, fit only for highly specific scenarios or times of desperation. Professional basketball players simply are too good at passing and dribbling to be susceptible to large doses of full-court press — or so the thinking went. But the thinking, it is a-changin’.
Synergy’s database goes back to the 2008-2009 season, and before last year, only one team had used press on even 5% of their defensive possessions: the 2020-21 Charlotte Hornets.
Last year, however, we saw a notable rise in the press defense, thanks to two teams. The Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers both beat Charlotte’s mark. Portland led the league by pressing 7.2% of the time, yielding only .94 points per possession (well below their typical defensive rating of 1.04, although that’s not by any means an apples-to-apples comparison), and I predicted that this year, the Blazers — featuring heavy doses of ambulatory fly paper Toumani Camara — would crack 10%.
I had the right idea but the wrong team. Instead, the Pacers are currently pressing 11.9% of the time, followed closely by Brooklyn’s 11.5% (the Blazers come in third, with a still historically high 8.4%). In retrospect, Indiana’s surging interest in the press shouldn’t be a huge surprise — they picked up full-court on nearly a quarter of their possessions in last year’s playoffs. That’s insane!
They haven’t been quite that extreme this year, but look at this graph of every team’s percentage of defensive possessions in press defense:
Six teams in total are pressing more than 5% of the time. 22 of the league’s 30 teams are pressing more this year than last (with the caveat that we’re talking about a couple dozen possessions or fewer for many of these teams), and this is by far the most press we’ve seen since the data became available. Given the weaknesses we mentioned in the opening paragraph, why is the press gaining popularity?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Apology Donovan Mitchell humorously apologizes to Cavs fans for a turnover-filled triple-double, promising it won’t happen again. (Fear the Sword)
Honor A Cavaliers swingman honors a viral offseason moment with new custom shoes, adding flair to the court. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Sam Vecenie of the Athletic breaks down how this year’s rookies have started. I don’t agree with all of his picks, but he’s always thoughtful with his selections and insightful with his analysis. (NY Times, Subscription required)
Personnel HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto goes behind the scenes with the Indiana Pacers’ coaching staff. Mostly, you get a better appreciation for how little coaches sleep!
Must Read Jared Dubin investigates the rise in dunks over time for his newsletter “Last Night, In Basketball.” It’s a fun, breezy read! (Last Night, Subscription required)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Wednesday’s Notable Fantasy Basketball Performances
Nov 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images|Photo By Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
In the ever-evolving world of fantasy basketball, keeping an eye on emerging talents and consistent performers is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Let’s delve into the standout performances of three young guns, as well as the continued dominance of Giannis, and explore their potential impact on your fantasy lineup.
Donovan Clingan: A Rising Star?
Donovan Clingan’s recent performance has caught the attention of fantasy managers everywhere. With 31 minutes on the court, Clingan delivered an impressive stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and a staggering eight blocks. His ability to dominate the paint and contribute defensively makes him a valuable asset, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Deandre Ayton’s injury status. While Clingan’s long-term role remains uncertain, his current form makes him a must-add in fantasy leagues, particularly for those in need of blocks and rebounds.
Jared McCain: Rookie on the Rise
Jared McCain has quickly become a hot topic in fantasy circles, thanks to his explosive performance in the absence of key players like Paul George and Joel Embiid. McCain’s 34-point game, complete with six three-pointers and 10 assists, showcases his potential as a high-usage player. While his current role is bolstered by injuries to teammates, McCain’s talent is undeniable. Fantasy managers should consider adding him to their rosters, but remain cautious about his long-term value once the team’s stars return.
Click the button below to see how Giannis continues to be a fantasy force, and why for Victor Wembanyama, the future is now.
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.
The Cavs once again didn’t have their best stuff on Wednesday night, but they used a great third quarter and key closing minutes from Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell to push the winning streak to 14.
