Cleveland Drops Series in Boston

Cleveland Drops Series in Boston

Time Stamp: December 17, 2023 12:27 PM

This two game mini-series between Cleveland and Boston could be an indicator for each team’s postseason success. Here’s a look back at Cleveland’s performances and some key takeaways as Cleveland drops the series in Boston.

Game 1

This game the Cavs started Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Dean Wade and Jarrett Allen.

Despite the fact that Cleveland held Boston to a slow start (this was actually the Celts least productive first quarter of the season) this game did not go Cleveland’s way. They fell to Boston 113-120. 

Mitchell finished with a team high 29 points along with six rebounds and three assists. Garland was right behind him with 26 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Strus also had a solid game with 17 points and nine rebounds while Allen finished with 14 points and five rebounds and assists a piece. 

While Cleveland did manage to spread the scoring fairly well across their roster, turnovers and rebounds were Cleveland’s weak points. While 12 turnovers does look good relative to their recent performances, certainly a slight improvement, it’s still an issue. Cleveland also got seriously out-rebounded. Boston not only had twice as many offensive rebounds as Cleveland, but their defensive rebounds (33) were just slightly under Cleveland’s total rebounds (35). 

Game 2

This game the Cavs went with a starting lineup of Garland, Mitchell, Strus, Wade and Allen. 

Although the point difference was only two points higher, this Cleveland loss felt more substantial. Boston took this one 107-116 to remain undefeated in the Garden. 

Mitchell finished with 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Typical Mitchell outing, but he also committed three turnovers and made only two threes on eight attempts. LeVert tends to play well in Boston, as he did tonight. Finishing with 26 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals with a 56.3 percent field goal percentage and 50 percent three percentage, LeVert was one of the few bright spots of this game. Garland finished with 19 points, two rebounds, three assists and five turnovers. 

This was an overall disappointing game for both the Cavaliers and their fans. Mitchell, Garland, and LeVert were the only Cavs to score in the double digits. Jarret Allen was the only Cav to finish with double digit rebounds. Only one Cavalier (Isaac Okoro) finished with a positive plus/minus and only one Cavalier (Dean Wade) finished with no turnovers. 

Takeaways 

Other than the NBA In-Season Tournament, this two game series against Boston, in Boston, was the best playoff litmus test the Cavaliers have had this season. Evan Mobley was hurt, and his absence was apparent. Aside from Allen, rebounds were scarce for the wine and gold. They also continued to turn the ball over and overall played with a lack of cohesion that’s there with the regular starting five. 

If this persists into the postseason it won’t be surprising to see Cleveland exit in similar fashion to last season, with a couple major weaknesses being exposed and heavily exploited. 

Hopefully these issues will get better with Mobley’s return. The rebounds almost certainly will, but the turnovers will be the issue to watch as the season progresses. 

Cleveland’s hopes to right the ship Saturday night at 7:30 against the Hawks in Cleveland. 

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Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com

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