Cavs Top 3: Despite the choke job, Kevin Love looked like his prime self

The Cavs fell apart in the fourth quarter despite Kevin Love’s big game.

The Cavs fell apart in the fourth, choking for so long the paramedics weren’t sure if the team would make it. The Cavaliers lost to the Warriors in heart-breaking fashion, 104-89, after the Cavs had a double-digit lead heading into the final quarter of action. Down 81-68, the Warriors mounted a comeback, capitalizing on the Cavs depleted lineup.

The Cavs made just two baskets from the floor in their final quarter and only scored eight points.

Digs aside, Cleveland was exhausted. Four players played 38 minutes, and another three played 19 or more. That’s it, there was no relief for this team. So it’s not all that surprising that the team gassed out in the fourth quarter, they were playing 7 on 10.

So I’m not going to be too harsh on them but we still need to look at them honestly after such a wonky game.

As always, the bottom is in descending order with the lowest number being the worst and the top is in ascending order with three being the best.

Cavs top and bottom three performers from the Warriors collapse

The Bottom Three Performers

1. Ed Davis
2. Issac Okoro
3. Dylan Windler

It may seem odd to put Ed Davis on the list after the game he had, but hear me out. Despite having a huge first-half, racking up something like 12 rebounds, and his teammates talking about wanting him to hit 25 for the game, Davis would only register one rebound in the entire second half. Davis had a huge impact in the first half and his sudden disappearance in the second hurt.

More of the same for Isaac Okoro, only this time he was unable to do the one thing he was drafted for; play shut-down defense. People need to realize this right now; he wasn’t some defensive specialist they signed undrafted or drafted in the second round. He was taken fifth overall because of his defense. If he can’t slow down the best in the league, then why does he have a roster spot? He’s too inconsistent offensively to warrant any minutes and if he isn’t able to actually play steady defense, then he’s just a liability.

The same thing goes for Dylan Windler. He was drafted because he can shoot. The Cavs are not a team with many healthy offensive scoring options. Windler responded by shooting once all game. What’s the point of him if he won’t shoot?

The Top Three Performers

1. Kevin Love
2. Darius Garland
3. Dean Wade

Kevin Loved looked like his old self at times on Thursday. He shot 42% from the floor and 40% from three, good numbers to have. He also had 17 points and seven rebounds, while also passing the ball well and playing great hustle-ball. His defense still isn’t great but if he can give you 17 points and seven rebounds a night off the bench, then everyone will take that.

For the two points on the evening, we go with Darius Garland, who had 25 points and five assists. He had a good night from the floor, shooting 45% but his three-point shot struggled, hitting only 4-11 for 36% from behind the arc. If he’s going to be the team’s superstar, he has to answer when called upon. No one should expect him to carry the team, but hitting 40% from three seems like the least you can do.

Shoutout to Dean Wade as well. He had his best game of the year, shooting 54% from the floor, 50% from three, with 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists; all while playing good low-post and help defense. Like with everyone else, the 40 minutes he played started to take a toll on him in the final quarter but if Wade can play like that more often, then the team may be able to survive this recent rash of injuries.

Yearly Standing:

Ricky Rubio (22 points)
Darius Garland (18 points)
Jarrett Allen (16 points)
Evan Mobley (12 points)
Cedi Osman(11 points)
Kevin Love (8 points)
*TIE* Collin Sexton/Lauri Markkanen (6 points)
Dean Wade (3 points)
Dylan Windler (1 point)