The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 121-114 in their season opener.
Cleveland was without the services of four players Wednesday night, but that did stop the Cavaliers from starting the season out 1-0. The Cavs were able to sprint out to a 21-point lead at the end of the first half and able to hang on just enough to defeat the Hornets 121-114.
All five starters finished with double-digit scoring efforts and at one point led by 24 points. Cleveland led in rebounds (50), assists (34), steals (12), and points in the paint (62). The Cavs did commit 21 turnovers and 22 fouls, but were able to overcome those shortcomings.
Overall the Cavs looked liked a cohesive unit. Was the team a bit sloppy at times? Sure, but that is to be expected in their first regular season game in nine months. Cleveland was excelling in the ball movement department and were not only just passing the ball, but passing the ball decisively.
Welcome to SexLand
This was a phrase that originated prior to last season and maybe it was a bit premature. The combination of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland seem primed to take that next step in year two. Sexton led the Cavaliers in scoring with 27 and Garland was second with 22. One particular area for both players that was in need of improvement was the assist department. Sexton finished with 5 assists and Garland with 6, which is a good sign of progression for both players.
Larry Nance Jr.’s near triple-double
Larry Nance Jr. almost had an opening night triple-double. Nance started in place for Kevin Love and finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. The 27-year old power forward also added 3 steals and 2 blocks to his final line. What was seen from Nance is that he is more than capable of being in the starting lineup and can produce when called upon.
Oh-Oh-Okoro
Isaac Okoro made his NBA debut Wednesday and played well. Okoro made four of five field goal attempts an finished with a fairly impressive line for a team with four other starters who played well. The Cavaliers rookie finished with 11 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds and should be able to build upon this performance moving forward.
JaVale Mcgee could be an impact player
When it comes to role players off the bench they need one trait in particular, energy. It is safe to say that JaVale McGee has a ton of that. Watching McGee in his Cavaliers debut was a bit eye-opening and he may be more important part of the team than initially thought. McGee just has that bounce you like to see out of a backup big man and he was making plays all over the court. It seems like after his 13 point, 7 rebound performance that McGee could be an impact role player for the Cavs.
