Cavaliers stumble in second half, lose 109-104
The Cleveland Cavaliers were outscored in the second half by 11 points as they lost the first of two matchups with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Things were looking good through the first two quarters for the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday night. The Cavs held a 61-55 lead going into the half and looked like they were somewhat in control. Unfortunately the second half was not friendly as they were outscored 54-43 in the final two quarters and ended up losing by a score of 109-104.
As per usual, the Cavaliers dominated points in the paint 72-42. More often than not that leads to a Cleveland victory, but that was not the case Sunday. Minnesota was able to use a different scoring strategy to come out on top, the three ball. Cleveland only took 16 three-pointers in the contest and made four. Meanwhile, Minnesota made 16 of 40 shots from deep and that was what propelled the Timberwolves to victory. The three-point assault was the difference in the game and played a massive role in the final score.
Andre Drumomond leads Cavs in point and rebounds
It was the third 20-20 effort for Andre Drummond this season. The Cavaliers big man scored 25 points on 9-18 from the field and made 7 of 10 free throws. Drummond’s 22 rebounds were a game-high.
Larry Nance Jr. second in rebounds
The Cavaliers also had another impressive rebounding effort on Sunday and that came from Larry Nance Jr. Nance grabbed 16 rebounds, a season-high. As far as scoring goes, Nance really did not contribute as he made 1 of 3 field goal attempts and finished with 2 points.
SexLand still getting back on track
Darius Garland and Collin Sexton did score 17 and 16 points respectively, however they only made on three-pointer on four attempts. Sexton went 8-16 (0-1 3PT) and Garland was 6-14 (1-3 3PT) in the contest. The duo did combine for 7 assists, 5 of which are credited to Garland. SexLand is still getting back on track after both missed time due to injury.
Isaac Okoro ties career-high
The Cavaliers rookie had a solid all-around performance and tied his career-high with 13 points. Okoro also had 4 assists and 2 rebounds in 32 minutes.
Jarrett Allen leads bench scoring
While he is not the most proficient scoring threat off the bench for the Cavaliers, Jarrett Allen can be a consistent source of scoring if needed. Allen was 4-5 from the field and made both free throws totaling 10 points in the contest. Allen also led the bench in rebounds with 5.
