The Cleveland Cavaliers struggled from the start and suffered their first loss of the season to the New York Knicks by a score of 95-86.
Everyone knew the Cleveland Cavaliers were not going to go 82-0 and their first loss was going to come eventually. That ended up being Tuesday night as the Cavs lost to the listing New York Knicks 95-86.
Cleveland struggled from the start and were unable to dig themselves out of the early hole. The Cavs did manage to make it close a few times, but were unable to take the lead from the Knicks. At the end of the day their 14-point deficit in the 1st quarter was their undoing.
It was not a great shooting night for the Cavaliers as they only made 36.4% of their field goal attempts (32-88) and 21.9% of their shots from deep (7-32). There were a few categories that Cleveland did have the advantage in, considering this has been a theme though the first four games it seems to be the rule and not the exception. Cleveland had more steals (9), blocks (10), fast break points (16), and points in the paint (46). The frustrating aspect in Tuesday night’s loss is the fact that Cleveland committed only 13 turnovers to New York’s 27 and were outscored in the points off turnovers category (27-11).
Struggles in SexLand
Collin Sexton and Darius Garland did combine to score 37 points, but it was not a good shooting night for either. Sexton was 6-17 from the field, 1-4 from three-point range, and 7-8 from the free throw line. Garland made 6 of 18 field goal attempts, 3 of 8 shots from deep, and both shots from the free throw line. The duo did combine for 10 assists, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals. Both players will look to get back on the right track in their next contest.
Cedi Osman was ice cold
Due to injuries to Isaac Okoro and Kevin Love there were minutes to be dispersed in the starting lineup and Cedi Osman was thrust into the role. Osman played a season-high 29 minutes and struggled from the field, making 2 of 12 field goals and missing all 5 three-point attempts. What his performance Tuesday did confirm is that Osman is much better off the bench and not as a starter.
Andre Drummond was Cleveland’s best performer
Andre Drummond logged his fourth consecutive double-double to start the season with 18 points and 17 rebounds. Drummond also finished with 6 blocks, 3 steals, and 2 assists, but did commit 5 fouls. The 27-year old big man went 7-13 from the field and made 4 of 10 free throw attempts. Drummond has been a consistent contributor for the Cavaliers this season and is a big reason they are 3-1 to start the year.
JaVale McGee keeps on going
How good has the acquisition of JaVale McGee been, seriously? McGee is having a huge impact off the bench for the Cavaliers and has been a surprising nightly contributor. McGee had 11 points, 9 rebounds (5 offensive), 1 steal and 1 block. Another surprising aspect of McGee is that he has tied his career-high with his third three-pointer of the season in just four games. It seems like he will set a new career-high sooner rather than later.
