Random dribbles following the Cavaliers’ stinker of a 130-120 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
1. Well, at least Max Strus really brought it. Not one else really did.
2. Apparently, the Cavs figured Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks would just roll over and play dead after getting smashed in Dallas the other night.
3. Boy, were the Cavs ever wrong.
4. They sort of lollygagged around, kind of defended but mostly not, and seemingly waited for the Mavericks to start making mistakes.
5. But without any force or intensity, mistakes by the opponent don’t generally happen in the NBA.
6. So no, the Cavs have nobody to blame but themselves. They lost a home game to a team that has two eyes on the NBA Draft lottery. That’s, like, unacceptable and stuff.
7. Granted, it’s just a regular-season game and this can happen to every wannabe contender. I don’t get worked up about these losses. Sorry. Been doing it too long.
8. But sheesh. Come on, guys. Show up.
9. Strus most certainly did just that — recording 16 points in his first 12 minutes of the season, off 4-of-4 shooting on threes and 4-of-4 shooting on free throws. At the end of the day, Strus had 24 points on 7-of-9 from the field, along with eight rebounds. He was dyn-o-mite.
10. Big picture-wise, he’ll be a huge help. He defends. He rebounds. He brings fire. Scoring is just an added bonus.
11. In this game, though, not even Max Strus could save the Cavs (41-27). Donovan Mitchell was good with 26 points. Evan Mobley had 18 points and 11 boards. James Harden scored 13 points, Dean Wade scored 12, and Thomas Bryant had 10.
12. Offense was not the problem.
13. Coach Kenny Atkinson talks a lot about the importance of “holding your spot.” He says it’s vital that the Cavs do that in the playoffs. They did the opposite of that on this day. Again, inexcusable against an opponent that you just beat by 33.
14. The Cavs were still without Jarrett Allen (knee), Sam Merrill (hamstring), Jaylon Tyson (ankle) and Craig Porter Jr. (groin). I think Allen is close, and they need him. It’s OK for these guys to miss time now and maybe even rest a little. But you can’t be losing many more of these games.
15. Flagg led the Mavericks (23-45) with 27 points and 10 assists. He’s just 19-years old. That kid is gonna be a problem in this league for a long time. Reminds me of a taller Scottie Pippen.
16. Frustrating loss, but you gotta just burn the tape and move on. Hopefully, it ticks off the home guys and they make up for it Tuesday in Milwaukee. The Cavs know they’re a lot better than this. Can’t wait for the other guy to mess up. They probably realize that now.
BOX SCORE | Mavericks 130, Cavs 120
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