Random dribbles following the Cavaliers’ easy 124-91 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. …
1. Well, if this is how it’s gonna go, I think the Cavs will be in good shape.
2. Oh, and they didn’t even have James Harden yet.
3. Granted, the Clippers were undermanned and just lost an All-Star guard in Harden. Darius Garland was there, but not yet healthy enough to play. It was surreal seeing Garland sit near the opposing bench and walk around the opposing locker room.
4. Meanwhile, new Cavs point guard Dennis Schroder made his presence felt right away. That guy is fiesty, man. He brings an edge to the floor that the Cavs have lacked. Fearlessness. Defense. Intensity.
5. I haven’t asked, but those are likely the biggest reasons why president of basketball operations Koby Altman made the trade for Schroder and Keon Ellis (and sent De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento). Both are high-energy and treat every possession like it’s Game 7 of the Finals.
6. Needless to say, the old standbys were fantastic. Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Jaylon Tyson, Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Craig Porter Jr., Thomas Bryant, etc. … all seemed to play with a little extra pep in their step.
7. It wasn’t easy for the other guys to see Garland go. It wasn’t easy for Garland, either. In fact, in 20 years, he’s one of my favorite NBA people to cover — ever. I just liked being around the guy in my limited time in the locker room over the past few years.
8. Anyway, Garland told reporters in LA that he understood. He said it’s just the “business side of basketball.” And I have a hunch business is about to boom for the Cavaliers.
9. Mitchell was dyn-o-mite, per usual, on his way to game-highs of 29 points and nine assists in 30 minutes. Yes, I think Mitchell and Harden will work together just fine, will likely flourish. I explained why in this column about Harden.
10. Tyson scored 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting. His determination has been vastly understated. And man, do I love watching that guy shoot those floaters in the lane.
11. Merrill and Schroder added 11 points apiece, with Schroder also compiling six assists. Perhaps my favorite thing is that Schroder took 14 shots — second only to Mitchell. He’s not shy. And the Cavs will need that in reserve.
12. Allen added 10 points and 11 rebounds. Overall, the Cavs (31-21) shot 51 percent from the field and 39 percent on threes. The ball had energy. That generally results in good looks at the hoop.
13. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers (23-27) with 25 points. He has to be looking around and thinking, “Where’s Harden? Where’s Paul George? Why did I come here again?”
14. The Clippers aren’t bad. Up until this week, they’d been playing great. But they’re very clearly on a new path with Leonard and Garland. It’s going to take some time … again.
15. As for the Cavs, they’ve really steadied themselves and suddenly look like a true, blue Eastern Conference contender again. And they still don’t have Evan Mobley (calf) or Max Strus (foot) in the lineup.
16. Coach Kenny Atkinson is going to have a tough time dispersing minutes. I bet he’s elated to have such a problem.
15. In conclusion, it’s just one game. And yes, Altman could still make another deal before Thursday’s 3 p.m. deadline. I doubt it, but this is Altman we’re talking about. He’s one of the most aggressive front office men out there, perhaps in league history.
16. Either way, this was a nice start to the reset. It’s probably time to start believing again.
Box Score | Cavs 124, Clippers 91
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