Cleveland Cavaliers: Plenty of positives as Cavs sting Charlotte Hornets

Tristan Thompson is the fight.

Thompson has brought it every night this season even if the rest of his teammates haven’t. Tuesday night was no exception, as he tied a career-high in rebounding with 21 boards including eight on the offensive end. He also contributed 11 points and five assists in the win.

Thompson has been the fight every night and has embodied the identity this team needs to take in order to compete. He has been solid on the defensive end and is providing this team with much needed extra possessions on offense.

Thompson has put to rest any concerns about his health or productivity that have been following him for a year and a half. Tristan Thompson is playing arguably the best basketball of his life and is reminding all of us why he was an indispensable part of the championship team in 2016. That’s been an encouraging sign.

David Nwaba is showing he can play offense.

David Nwaba has been arguably the Cavs best defensive player so far season. He plays with a high motor and does an excellent job of defending on and off the ball. As a result, the Cleveland Cavaliers have posted a 95.3 defensive rating when he is on the floor, per NBA.com. His offense is what has held him back for much of his career so far.

Nwaba had his best offensive game this season (as was previously mentioned), as he finished with 18 points on seven-of-nine shooting and was two-for-two from distance. Nwaba did an excellent job of letting the offense come to him and attacking when he saw an opening.

Nwaba doesn’t need to score like he did tonight to solidify his spot in the rotation. He just needs to show that he is capable of knocking down shots and making the right play when he’s called upon like he did against Charlotte.

The Cavs are back in action Wednesday night against the struggling Washington Wizards.