Cavs: 4 things we learned from the Pacers preseason rematch

The Cavs defeated the Pacers 116-106 in the second preseason game of the season, and the second game back to back against the Pacers.

The Cavs won their second straight preseason game against the Pacers and did so without Kevin Love, Kevin Porter Jr., Cedi Osman, and Collin Sexton. That meant the focus fell on Isaac Okoro, Dante Exum, and Darius Garland. All three men did things in the game that are positives but all three also have some glaring issues that need to be fixed.

Beyond that, it was a night of big plays from big men. Just not the one who did the damage in the first game. In the preseason premiere, Thon Maker went off for a massive game, in the follow up it was the starter, Andre Drummond who had a massive game, posting 11 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. Drummond also had 17 points on the night.

So what did we learn from the second game of the preseason?

Darius Garland doesn’t know who to pass to

There was a lot of hype around Darius Garland supposedly “improving” a lot during the Cavs mini-camp. Garland had just two assists against six turnovers. He shot respectively from the floor, going 7-of-15 but only 1-5 from the three-point line.

Isaac Okoro’s free throw shooting needs to improve

Isaac Okoro started the game well, shooting 4-of-4 from the floor but then finishing 4-of-7, with a dismal 6-of-10 from the free-throw line. He still had a respectable 15 points and only one turnover, so all in all an average outing but one that highlights his biggest area of weakness. Okoro was a bad free-throw shooter in college and was largely an inconsistent spot shooter. He can score near the basket and in transition but it’s going to be what he does in a half-court offense that will define him.

Dante Exum shows flashes but his consistency is the question

Dante Exum was supposed to be the next big thing in Utah but injuries and inconsistency ended his time with the team. His move to Cleveland has been met with a lot of mild performances. Yet, Exum had a big game in their second outing against the Pacers, going 7-of-11 for 23 points and five assists. His first outing, however, didn’t see him as productive a scorer; going 3-of-8 for seven points but still putting out five assists.

The decision on Thon Maker has been made

He played only six minutes tonight. That’s a sign that the management has seen all they need to see from him. What that means long term is anyone’s guess. He might make the team, he might not. Cuts are coming soon though. Detroit has already waved LiAngelo Ball, a sign that teams aren’t waiting all preseason before cutting talent.