The Cleveland Cavaliers were on the wrong side of a 119-99 final score as they lost to the Indiana Pacers.
It was a rough go from the start for the Cleveland Cavaliers as the Indiana Pacers won by a comfortable 20-point margin. The difference in the game really came in the 1st and 3rd quarters. Indiana outscored Cleveland 63-38 in those two quarters and that is what propelled the Pacers to victory.
Coming into the game the Cavs were shorthanded as they were without Kevin Love, Isaac Okoro, Matthew Dellavedova, and Kevin Porter Jr. Having those players definitely would have made a difference as their absences led to players seeing the court more than they should have. The lack of depth for the Cavaliers was clearly a factor and made an impact in the game.
SexLand bounced back in a big way
The only reason the Cavs were able to cut the deficit a few times was due to the performances of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. Sexton finished with 28 points on 12-19 shooting (2-2 3PT) and Garland added 21 points while making 8 of his 14 field goal attempts (5-7 3PT). Garland also assisted on 5 baskets while Sexton did 4 times.
Another double-double for Andre Drummond
Cavaliers center Andre Drummond registered his fifth consecutive double-double to start the season as he finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds. The Cleveland big man also added 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
Larry Nance Jr. made an all around impact
If there is one thing everyone should know by know is that Larry Nance Jr. is able to contribute consistency in a variety of ways. Nance made 4 of 9 shots for 10 points and added 7 assist, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block. He is truly the jack of all trades that the Cavaliers really need.
Cedi Osman with another clunker
The time may have come to talk about the playing time of Cedi Osman. Osman turned in another lackluster performance and it is a theme that is becoming concerning. In 21 minutes Osman made just 1 of 8 shots, missed both free throw attempts and had 3 points. Once other wing players return it could have a major impact on Osman’s minutes and that is not necessarily a bad thing.
