Cavs: 2 studs and 2 duds in tough loss to Celtics on Monday

Cavs double studs

Both Ricky Rubio and Cedi Osman almost collectively brought the Cavs back late in this game. Rubio finished with 28 points, going four-for-eight from the three-point line. He was forcing the issue too, going six-for-seven from the free throw line and making the Celtic defenders work all night.

Rubio’s handling of the game down the stretch was a lot of fun to watch. His understanding on what to do late and to draw fouls on the opponent was realty smart and gave the team a chance. With so many players out in this game, the Cavaliers were limited in their offensive game but had several chances late to take the lead but just couldn’t execute.

Osman again came to play and almost worked his magic late again as he kept hitting three-pointers. He finished by making six of them and ended up with 26 points. His energy and trying to get the Cavaliers home crowd in the game as well and again that was a factor in the game late, though this time the team couldn’t quite get all the way back.

Osman is having a great season to date. He’s been very consistent and his confidence and skill set seem to be much better this year. His shooting from deep continues to be impressive. He went 6-for-12 on Monday night and he is now hitting over 40 percent from downtown. That’s well above his 35 percent career average.