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Cleveland Cavaliers Preseason Game 1: What we Learned against the Hawks

By Jackson Flickinger

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 4: Kevin Love
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 4: Kevin Love /
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INDEPENDENCE, OH – SEPTEMBER 25: Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 25, 2017 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
INDEPENDENCE, OH – SEPTEMBER 25: Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 25, 2017 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

The lineup change and spare notes

  • Starting Jae Crowder provides so much more spacing. Crowder’s ability to hit from deep gives defenses much more to worry about. His ability to attack and transition and spot up for 3’s makes the offense so much scarier. Last year, teams packed the paint with the defender guarding Tristan Thompson which made it harder for Kyrie Irving and LeBron to finish at the rim. Defenses can’t do that with Crowder on the floor because of his shooting ability. I’m excited to see how the offense looks when it has all of its weapons.
  • Other things of note: Iman Shumpert left the game early with a left foot injury. The severity of the injury isn’t known at this time. Ante Zivic had a solid outing with 4 points and 6 rebounds (4 offensive) in 12 minutes of play. Kay Felder shot the ball well with 13 points on 5 of 11 shooting. Cedi Osman made his American basketball debut with 6 points on 2 of 6 shooting and an impressive dime to Felder.

The Cavs will be back in action on Friday night with their second preseason game against the Indiana Pacers.

Must Read: 3 players who will exceed expectations for the Cavaliers

We’ll see if we get to see LeBron and Wade on the court together for the first time in a Cavs uniform.