The Cleveland Cavaliers were unable to overcome being shorthanded as they lost to the Orlando Magic on the road by a score of 103-83.
The Cleveland Cavaliers did not have a great outing in their first of back-to-back meetings with the Orlando Magic. Cleveland came in shorthanded as they were without Darius Garland and Isaac Okoro coming into the game. Dante Exum exited with a leg injury and did not return, further putting pressure on the shorthanded Cavs. The Cavaliers were only down by 2 points going into the half, but were flat in the second half. Orlando outscored Cleveland 52-34 in the final 2 quarters which led to the Cavaliers loss.
It was not a great shooting night for the Cavs as they struggled in every area. Cleveland shot 38.4% from the field, 35.7% from three-point range, and 58.3% from the free throw line. Add that to being out-rebounded (47-62) and having fewer assists (20-22), things were just not going the Cavs way. Cleveland having to play shorthanded certainly did not help matters and having to adjust their rotations in game due to the injury to Exum did not make things any easier.
Cavaliers scoring led by Collin Sexton
Collin Sexton has become a reliable night in-night out contributor for the Cavaliers and that is something most were unsure of ever happening. Sexton again led the Cavs scoring effort with 24 points on 10 of 19 from the field. Young Bull made 2 of 4 three-point attempts and both shots from the free throw line.
Andre Drummond’s double-double streak continues
Make that seven straight double-doubles for Andre Drummond, extending his team record he claimed in the previous game. Drummond finished with 10 points and 14 rebounds (5 offensive) while adding 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block to his final line.
Damyean Dotson steps up in spot start
The Cavaliers played without Darius Garland and Damyean Dotson stepped into the starting lineup and played admirably. Dotson finished with 16 points on 6-10 shooting (3-6 3PT), 2 assists, 1 rebound, and 1 steal. When Garland does return it would be wise to continue giving Dotson playing time off the bench, especially if Exum is going to miss time.
Cedi Osman leads bench scoring, but is not efficient
The good news, Cedi Osman was Cleveland’s leading bench scorer. The bad news, it was on a 6-14 shooting night. Osman did manage to make 4 of 8 three-point attempts and both free throws in 38 minutes of playing time. Osman did add 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block to round out his night.
