Cavs ran on fumes, stalled against Phoenix in the desert

Listless Cavs sputter against Phoenix

The Cleveland Cavaliers have now lost back-to-back games after squandering an early lead and completely imploded against last season’s NBA finalists Phoenix Suns, 101-92. Following three spirited wins, the Cavs appeared to have nothing left in the tank.

Playing their third game in four days, the Cavaliers still managed to start off hot and raced to build a 14-point lead in the second quarter. Then it all went downhill from thereon, as they crashed and burned following a listless second-half effort.

Suns All-Star Devin Booker finished with 27 points, many of which came during the incredulous 50-12 run that completely broke the game wide open in their favor. Phoenix displayed a well-balanced offensive attack and finally looked like contenders in just their second win of the season.

Rookie Evan Mobley played his worst game as a member of the Cavs organization, tallying two points, four rebounds, and four assists after making just one field goal attempt against the Suns. Meanwhile, the backcourt duo of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton combined for just 21 points and five assists in limited minutes.

The Cavs need to build on the loss and move forward

Following what could be considered a moral victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, this Cavs loss was on the opposite spectrum. The effort was just not there as they crumbled in the second half.

Forward Cedi Osman became the top scorer in the loss with 20 markers. The Turkish forward did not see action against the Lakers, and together with reserves Dylan Windler and Dean Wade, saw significant minutes as the coaching staff tried to search for answers while the starters sputtered.

Blame fatigue, if you will. This road trip was always meant to be a baptism of fire for the young Cavaliers squad, and losses against bona fide playoff contenders in a densely packed schedule away from home is but expected.

The winning streak gave fans a lot of optimism, but the truth is that this team is still going through growing pains with the youngest starting lineup in the league. Not to mention key rotation players who have just arrived during the offseason. Just charge it to experience, and find a way to close out the road trip on a much more positive note.

Cleveland should take that opportunity when they face off against the Charlotte Hornets in the one final stop of their grueling west coast campaign on November 1st.