This poster in Ohio was all about the trap game for the Nets. Reinforced by the returns of Lauri Markkanen (22 points, 8 rebounds) and especially Jarrett Allen (20 points, 15 rebounds), generally unstoppable under the panels, the Cavaliers thus played their luck in front of their audience, under the leadership of a Darius Garland in maestro mode (24 points, 11 assists).
Leading most of the game, however, the Cleveland players collapsed at the very end, showing themselves helpless in the face of the exploits of a rested Kevin Durant (27 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists), from LaMarcus Aldridge (21 points, 11 rebounds), Patty Mills (17 points) and company.
Without panicking, Brooklyn used his experience in the last moments (117-112), in order to inflict a fourth defeat in a row to the Cavs, while winning for the third time in a row.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— Brooklyn’s mastered money-time. Led 102-105 with three and a half minutes to go, the Nets did not panic and played their best basketball at the perfect time. Guided by Patty Mills at 3-point (then rogue on an offensive foul) and Kevin Durant near the circle, yet not so skillful so far, the New York players then achieved a 7-0, synonymous with a sledgehammer for the Cavs. Ricky Rubio may have sounded the revolt, he could do nothing in front of the collective strength of Brooklyn, with LaMarcus Aldridge then James Johnson who drove the point home, in the painting. Before “KD” finished it all on free throws, without trembling.
— Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, long insoluble problems. Collin Sexton and Evan Mobley injured, the Cavaliers rely more than ever on their pair Garland / Allen, whose relationship continues to improve. Very quickly in legs today, the two players thus carried the hopes of Cleveland at arm’s length, from start to finish. Uncontrollable, Jarrett Allen exploited the internal weakness of the Nets. Elusive, Darius Garland made Brooklyn pay for his lack of a strong defender on the back lines. But unfortunately for the Cavs, the fighting spirit and the exploits of their duo were not enough, against such an opponent.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Isaac Okoro. Without Collin Sexton, the young nugget of the Cavs has recovered the position of post 2 holder and, this night, he shone in this role of “3 & D” which is promised to him. Sent on a defensive mission on James Harden, whom he contained rather well (14 points, 5 ball losses, 5/10 on shots), the 5th choice of the 2020 Draft allowed himself to bring 15 points of the other side of the field. All at 3/7 at 3-point. Aggressive and very little hesitant behind the arc, the 20-year-old thus signed his best scoring outing of the season, giving air to Cleveland after the break with his quality of shoot, when the Nets were threatening.
✅ Cameron Thomas. Boiling in the G-League, where he scored 46 points (!) Saturday night, the rookie also proved invaluable for the Nets, Brooklyn and not Long Island, on the upper floor. Author of 11 points in 15 minutes last night, the 27th choice of the last Draft thus played the sparks out of the bench for the New York franchise. Distinguished especially in the third quarter, when his team was led by ten points (71-80) and that he instigated, with Patty Mills, a 13-2, with 3-points, ” and-one ”and shooting at mid-distance, in order to finally restore the advantage to Steve Nash’s men.
⛔ Blake Griffin. Again holder at position 5, but transparent (2 points, 2 rebounds in 9 minutes) and physically dominated (defense, rebound), the former interior All-Star was sanctioned by his coach, who did without him after the break. Preferring him a LaMarcus Aldridge (21 points, 11 rebounds) more reliable and inspired on each side of the floor, facing interiors like Jarrett Allen, Kevin Love or Lauri Markkanen. And this adjustment has borne fruit, “LMA” as always feasting at mid-distance and being much less moving than Griffin, whose presence in the New York rotation is more than ever questioned.
THE FOLLOWING
Cleveland (9-9) : Phoenix reception, Wednesday night to Thursday (1:00 am).
Brooklyn (13-5) : travel to Boston, overnight from Wednesday to Thursday (1:30 am).
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