It’s not often in the NBA that two teams play back-to-back games at the same venue over three days, but that’s what the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics did over this extended weekend in Cleveland. The Cavs weren’t able to pull out their second win against Boston on Monday night, instead they lost 98-92.
After their first encounter on Saturday, where the Cavs stormed back from a 19-point deficit to win the game in the closing moments, this latest game was a defensive slugfest in the first half. The Cavs were up 39-37 at the break. The second half saw the Celtics start to take control. However, the Wine and Gold fought back late only to come up short in the end.
There were several decent performances by the Cavs in the game despite the team missing several key players again. Cleveland wing Isaac Okoro had 10 points in the first half, which was the most points he’s had in any game this year. Cavs guard Darius Garland also added nine points in the half. In the second half guard Ricky Rubio came alive, scoring several times to help keep the Cavs in the game. He finished with 28 points on the night.
The bench play got support by little-used Denzel Valentine too in the first half where he connected on two three-pointers. Other bench superstar, Cedi Osman, also had another nine points early on to set the tone for the game early. He continued that great game in the second half. More on that in a minute.
Considering the team was without big man Jarrett Allen, and also Lauri Markkanen, Kevin Love and Collin Sexton on the evening, it realty was a testament on far this team has come and what bright future they still have to come.
So let’s look a little closer at the Cavs studs and duds on the night.