Lauri Markkanen among the best in this post-Bulls victory best and worst performances

Cavs’ Lauri Markkanen hurt his former team to earn his spot.

Normally I’d lean into Darius Garland getting the headline billing, but seeing how this was a Lauri Markkanen’s former team and he had one heck of a game in his own right, we’re giving props to the former Bulls, now Cavs player first. Garland went off too, but it’s got to be some sweet revenge for Markkanen, who Chicago decided they didn’t want.

For Chicago’s credit, they were without darkhorse MVP candidate DeMar DeRozan but that doesn’t really help them out too much, considering how dominant the Cavaliers’ defense was most of the game.

Cleveland topped Chicago 115-92 to advance to 14-12 after 26 games. Being that we’re far past the first quarter of the season, it’s safe to say the Cavs are for real this season; as long as they stay healthy.

Now, onto the Top 3. 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.

The best and worst from the Cavs dominating win over the Bulls

The Worst Three Performers

1. Cedi Osman
2. Isaac Okoro
3. Kevin Love

There is no “bad” performers after this game, so we’re just going with the least impressive and that starts with Cedi Osman. Osman’s lack of aggression against the Bulls isn’t something you want to see. Only taking four shots? That’s not Osman-like at all.

The same can be said for Isaac Okoro, who finished with nine points and four rebounds, while he played a good game defensively, you’d like to have seen him assert himself more when the team had a lead. The hope is that he can be a better scorer than someone like Bruce Bowens but that takes game experience. You want to see more Okoro attempts in blowout wins.

Kevin Love finished with just 11 points and five rebounds in 20 minutes. A solid outing, but if he’s going to contend for the sixth-man, you hope he can do more than that. Plus he had the lowest box +/- of the game for the regulars at +1.

The Best Three Performers

1. Lauri Markkanen
2. Darius Garland
3. Evan Mobley

For the first point, we’re going with the ex-Bull himself. Lauri Markkanen only had 14 points, one rebound, and one assist but he had a box +/- of +20. The Finnish forward continues to be a great defensive option for the Cavaliers starting five, even in games like on Wednesday where he isn’t the most dominant of scorers.

For the two points, we’re going with Darius Garland, who had 24 points, six assists, and three rebounds, while shooting 56% from the floor. You’d like to see his three-point shot do slightly better, but 42% is hugely improved from last season.

Lastly, and the three points of the day, go to Evan Mobley. 16 points, nine rebounds, on 8-11 shooting, all while playing lockdown defense. His box +/- of +28 is maddening and the Bulls probably hated trying to get around him. Great game by the rookie.

Yearly Standing:

1. Jarrett Allen (32 points)
2. Ricky Rubio (25 points)
3. Darius Garland (24 points)
4. Lauri Markkanen (17 points)
5. Cedi Osman (16 points)
6. Kevin Love (14 points)
7. Evan Mobley (12 points)
8. Dean Wade (3 points)
9. *TIE* Isaac Okoro/Dylan Windler (1 point)