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.
Recapping an Up-and-Down Cavs Weekend
Welcome to today’s newsletter, where we break down the Cleveland Cavaliers’ recent performances and what they mean for the team moving forward. We had a mixed weekend with a tough loss to the Miami Heat and a thrilling win against the Charlotte Hornets, highlighted by Evan Mobley’s standout performance. Let’s dive into the details.
- Weekend Recap: The Cavs split their weekend games, suffering a 122-113 loss to the Miami Heat on Sunday after a victorious outing against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. The Miami game was marked by a lack of energy and aggression from the Cavs, which was evident in their struggle to keep up with the Heat’s physicality and pace.
- Miami Game Analysis: Sunday’s game against Miami was challenging. Despite shooting well from beyond the arc, the Cavs couldn’t match Miami’s intensity. The Heat dominated in free throws and rebounds, showcasing their aggressive play. Historically, the Cavs have struggled in Miami, and this game was no exception, with Miami dictating the game’s rhythm.
- Evan Mobley’s Injury: A significant concern from the Miami game was Evan Mobley’s ankle injury. He exited the game in the second quarter and did not return, which impacted the Cavs’ performance. Fortunately, the team has a few days off, providing Mobley time to recover before their next game.
- Donovan Mitchell’s Performance: Donovan Mitchell had an off night, scoring only 12 points on 5 of 16 shooting. Although he showed flashes of brilliance in the third quarter, he couldn’t sustain it throughout the game. His performance was crucial, especially after Mobley’s exit, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
- Bench Contributions: Despite the loss, there were positive takeaways from the bench. Ty Jerome, Sam Merrill, George Niang, and Caris LeVert provided valuable minutes, showcasing depth that could be pivotal in future games.
- Charlotte Game Highlights: Saturday’s game against the Hornets was a different story, with Evan Mobley stealing the spotlight. He scored a career-high 41 points, including six three-pointers, demonstrating his potential to be a game-changer for the Cavs. His performance opened up the floor, creating more opportunities for his teammates.
- Mobley’s Impact: Mobley’s ability to shoot from deep adds a new dimension to the Cavs’ offense. If he can consistently be a threat from beyond the arc, it will significantly enhance the team’s offensive capabilities, making them more formidable opponents.
- Looking Ahead: The Cavs have a break until their next game against the Washington Wizards on Friday. This time off is crucial for recovery and preparation, especially for players like Mobley and Isaac Okoro, who are dealing with injuries. The team hopes to return to full strength soon, with Max Strus potentially rejoining the lineup.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on from the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth period at Chase Center. | David Gonzales/David Gonzales-Imagn Images
For all its advancements, from athlete autonomy down to the way the game itself gets played, the NBA hasn’t managed to solve one of its most nagging longevity problems: that all dynasties are destined to fall apart.
Maybe it’s their inherent weight. That a handful of stars stuck together force an unstable gravity not meant to last. Maybe it’s the strain that every relationship faces — but sped up in the NBA uniquely accelerated time signature — as time goes by and people, their circumstance, change. It could be egos, or the financial practicalities of keeping an expensive roster together; it might be because of duelling timelines and the reality that no matter how good, no team at this level can put off development of future rosters forever.
Whatever it was for dynasties of the past, now dusted, it’s a combination of everything for these current Warriors.
Whether you viewed it as a culture loss or reset, Klay Thompson’s departure to the Mavericks was the first chip in this Golden State dynasty’s foundation. Certainly, Thompson’s absence meant more room for next-gen talent of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski to flourish on the floor. It also forced a twosome in leadership between Steph Curry and Draymond Green, versus the triangular model the former Splash Brother lent, though Curry’s shouldered more of the directional responsibilities this season and the strain is beginning to show.
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
Injury Evan Mobley exited the game against Miami with an ankle injury, leaving fans and the team concerned about his recovery and future availability.
Analysis The Cavs’ floundering defense couldn’t be buoyed by Garland’s performance as they struggled against the Heat. Player grades highlight the team’s defensive shortcomings.
Analysis In a tough matchup, the Cavs fell to the Miami Heat 122-110, showcasing areas needing improvement. Game insights reveal critical flaws.
Biz NBA Trade Deadline eligibility: These 85 players can be traded as of December 15. (ESPN)
Analysis Jonathan Kuminga makes his case with a career-best night of 33 points. (Defector)
Milestones Chris Paul surpasses Jason Kidd for 2nd in career NBA assists (NBA.com)
Joel Embiid Returns Sunday - All The Fantasy Basketball Impact
Dec 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) smiles during the second half of a basketball game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski/Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Joel Embiid’s Return and Fantasy Implications
As the NBA season unfolds, Joel Embiid’s return to the court has been a focal point for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Embiid, despite being on a minutes restriction, delivered an impressive performance with 31 points and 12 rebounds. However, his recurring knee issues remain a concern for fantasy managers. The potential for swelling and soreness could lead to more missed games, making him a risky asset. While his numbers are undeniably strong, the uncertainty surrounding his health suggests a cautious approach for those considering him in trades or drafts.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls: Key Performances
The Philadelphia 76ers’ clash with the Chicago Bulls highlighted several noteworthy performances. Tyrese Maxey stepped up significantly, posting 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. His ability to thrive alongside Embiid is crucial for the 76ers’ success and offers a promising outlook for fantasy managers. On the Bulls’ side, Zach LaVine’s resurgence with 30 points and six triples was a standout, especially after a dip in usage in previous games. However, Nikola Vučević's recent struggles, with only 13 points in consecutive games, raise questions about his role and effectiveness moving forward.
The game also shed light on the fluctuating roles within the Bulls’ lineup. Ayo Dosunmu, who recently had a breakout game, saw his production dip with the return of key players. This pattern of inconsistency is a reminder of the volatility in fantasy basketball, where player value can shift rapidly based on team dynamics and injuries.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- Analysis of Tyrese Maxey’s performance and future potential
- Zach LaVine’s resurgence and its impact on the Bulls
- The role of Ayo Dosunmu in the Bulls’ lineup
- Injury updates and their implications for fantasy rosters
- Strategies for managing player rotations and streaming options
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Cavs podcasts.
Evan Mobley’s Big Day Evan Mobley scored a career-high 41 points on Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets thanks to six made 3-pointers.
Who is stepping up for the Cavs? A big reason why the Cavs have been so successful this season has been the play of Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. Which player has stepped up more?
The Domination of Denver The Cavs completely controlled the game on Thursday night against the Denver Nuggets, leading by double digits for most of the contest. Evan Mobley, Caris LeVert, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland all thrived.
