King James Gospel
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1 stud and 1 dud from last night’s win over Thunder

By Justin Brownlow

Lauri Markkanen, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images
Lauri Markkanen, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images /
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Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images /

Dud: Rebounding

Honestly, there weren’t a lot of negative things to point out in last night’s win. However, when you take a look at the stat sheet one number sticks out to you, and that is rebounding. The Cavs were out-rebounded last night 51-37, and that’s the main reason the Thunder kept it close for most of the game. I know rebounding isn’t all about size, but with a front-line of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, they should almost never be out-rebounded.

Allen, for his sake, pitched in the thirteen rebounds and had his 23rd double-double of the season last night, so he isn’t really the problem. Mobley has started out so well that at times it’s hard to criticize the young man, However, he does need to work on his rebounding. With that being said, Mobley is also in charge of protecting the basket so it’s not all on him.

Either way, the Cavs need to find a way to pick up their rebounding numbers, Yes, it was nice to get a comeback win last night, but it never should have been that close. Hopefully, if Markkanen and Mobley add some muscle to their frame, they should then be almost never out-rebounded.

Overall, what a way to end a road trip. Going 5-1 on a six-game road trip is pretty damn impressive for such a young team. In the past, we’ve seen teams crumble because of inexperience on some of these long road trips.

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However, it seems like Darius Garland and Kevin Love have become two of the biggest vocal leaders for the Cavs. On top of that, Mobley has been on a tear recently, so they should be able to stay with, if not beat the Nets on Monday. Either way, ending this road trip with a win is a huge morale boost for such a young team.