The shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers were not able to make Thursday’s matchup with Washington a contest as they lost by 17 points.
Despite keeping things close in the first half, the Cleveland Cavaliers lack of depth became a clear problem in the second. Washington was able to pull away and at one point led by 21 points against an undermanned Cavs team. Cleveland struggled to shoot making 42.2% of their field goals (35-83), 28.6% from deep (8-28), and 65.2% fro the free throw line 15-23). The Wizards are far from a juggernaut, but there was difference in talent on the floor Thursday night.
This was the first game for Cleveland after losing Ricky Rubio for the season, As they were still without Darius Garland who is still currently in the league’s health and safety protocols, this led to some obvious problems for the Cavaliers. Cleveland was left to start Kevin Pangos and depend on Dylan Windler, R.J. Nembhard Jr., and Malik Newman as their primary guards with underwhelming results. This group of guards combined to go 6-23 for 15 points.
While the Cavaliers guards were a negative, at least Evan Mobley and Kevin Love were positives. Love finished with team-highs with 24 points and 11 rebonds. Mobley finished with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal. Lauri Markkanen and Isaac Okoro both finished with 11 points, typical production from each player.
The Cavs have now lost two straight and find themselves at 20-15 on the season. Continuing to lose players by one way or another is having an impact on their ability to win games. That ability will be tested Friday night as they face the Hawks at home.
