LVSL game recap: Collin Sexton and Cavs fall short to Lakers

Though the Cleveland Cavaliers may have lost 112-109 in double overtime to the Los Angeles Lakers, Collin Sexton made a lasting impression in Las Vegas.

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost in the Las Vegas Summer League semifinals last night, facing the Los Angeles Lakers in what was probably the best Summer League game this Summer.

However, Collin Sexton — quickly becoming widely known as the Young Bull — made a lasting impression in Las Vegas.

In the Cavaliers Summer League finale, Sexton finished with 27 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists. His competitive fire, which was the butt of the joke on draft night for people who questioned what Sexton could provide on-the-court, was on display all night.

Perhaps no play illuminated the importance of his intangibles than one late last night, near the end of the first overtime period. Cavs point guard Scoochie Smith nearly lost the ball in the halfcourt but Sexton flew to it and, right after saving it, got the ball back for a floater that tied the game.

That’s competitive fire leading to a game-saving play.

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, general manager Koby Altman and the rest of the crew did a great job when they selected Sexton with eighth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft; he’ll be one of the top rookies in this class.

This kid is something special.

Here is one of the two lasting impressions The Young Bull made. This is number one because it is simply amazing to this level of intensity from the rookie in a Summer League game, particularly on the defensive end.

Another one was to tie the game in regulation, which forced overtime. This play is also notable because it highlights his killer mentality and “clutch gene.”

Following the game, Gilbert took the time to applaud the Summer League squad but he singled out Sexton, in particular. If the man writing the checks has taken notice, that’s wonderful for the 19-year-old Georgia-native.

Sexton was just one of the bright spots in the Summer League though.

Billy Preston was another guy who impressed right away. The Cavs were impressed with him as well, as they signed him to a two-way deal before the start of Summer League.

Preston could be one of those diamond in the rough guys and the Cavs may have scored big. He has all the talent in the world. Yes, it is only Summer League but I think he has the ability to do what he did once the regular season starts.

What this Summer League has proved is the Cavs made the right decision in selecting Sexton in the draft and signing Preston to a two-way deal.

Overall, what we can take away from the Summer League run the Cavs had this past week is that Sexton is the real deal, and Preston is starting to show he is the real deal.

I think a lot of Cavs fans fell in love with Sexton this past week and I know the rest of Cavs nation will fall in love with him very quickly. There will be some growing pains, but it will be worth it in the end.

The NBA season is not that far away, we will get to see these guys in real game action soon.

Related Story: 3 superstar comparisons for Collin Sexton

It’s going to be fun.