3 takeaways from the Cavaliers’ 106-86 loss to the Knicks

Takeaway #3: Tristan Thompson dominated on the boards

In a game that didn’t offer many positives, if at all, Tristan Thompson play not only in this game continues to be one of the bright spots in a rebuilding season. Thompson was able to notch his team-leading 21st double-double of the season, having 13 points, 22 rebounds,  and a block.

According to Cavs Official Notes, those 22 rebounds were a career-high for TT, who also had his season-best for a half in terms of 10 boards in one half, too.

He also was their most efficient player from the field where he shot 5/11, when everyone else mostly struggled to from the field all game, outside of Larry Nance Jr., who shot five-of-nine, as noted by ESPN. Thompson is a player that is mostly taking interior looks, but is rarely inefficient in his chances and has much-improved touch, though.

Tristan Thompson continues to consistently on a game-by-game basis to be the Cavs’ best player and most irreplaceable player.

He brings constant energy from his rebounding, he’s averaging a career-high in points per game with 12.6, according to Basketball Reference, and with him being by far Cleveland’s best defender, he’s been the most reliable presence for the young guys overall.

Plus with him being the team’s primary leader, he’s been irreplaceable.

It’s still unknown whether or not Thompson would be interested signing in Cleveland long-term this offseason, when TT is set to be an unrestricted free agent, or prefers go to a contender. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com touched on this recently in a mailbag set of responses, for reference.

"“I get the sense that both sides want to explore all their options. The Cavs value Thompson. He’s not only one of their best players, but he’s talked repeatedly about the importance of paying it forward — and he’s backed up those words, helping Cleveland’s youngsters adapt this season.”"

As Fedor emphasized, Thompson has really helped the young guys adapt this season and his leadership is irreplaceable for pieces such as Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Cedi Osman and others.

Thompson is the type of guy that holds players accountable and now looking at it, I don’t believe the Cavs should just give him away for seemingly a heavily-protected pick in a down 2020 NBA Draft and a bad contract player for near-salary matching, unless Thompson gives them the indication he 100 percent isn’t re-signing at some point.

If Thompson has interest in signing long-term, he’s somebody the Cleveland Cavaliers should absolutely keep.