Top 3 Cavs players following the Rockets wreckage on Wednseday night

The Cavs wrecked the Rockets in a masterclass of efficiency

The Cavs could be considered among the best teams in the NBA. We’re certainly entering that conversation. I’m still hesitant to say that after just 30 games, but we’re nearing that mid-way threshold where my belief in this team will be justified. While some may think this is an overreaction after their win over the Rockets, I disagree.

While yes, the Rockets aren’t a good team, the Cavs were up nearly 50 points at one point. Rookies or not, depleted or not, you’re still an NBA team. To hold a team to under 40 points into the third quarter is absurd.

The Cavs are loaded with talent and this chemistry is undeniable. Their 124-89 shellacking over the Rockets is undeniable how good this team is when it’s firing on all cylinders. The Cavs moved to 18-12 mid-way through the second quarter of the Rockets game, the other two and half quarters were merely contractually required to be played, but the game was never in doubt.

Now, onto the Top 3. We’re dropping the Three Worst Performers for the time being. With how well the Cavs are playing, there’s not a lot to talk about. So I’ll bring back the three worst performers only on nights that warrant it.

The best from the Cavs raucous win over the Rockets.

The Best Three Performers

1. Ricky Rubio and Dean Wade
2. Kevin Love
3. Darius Garland

We have a tie for the one-pointer of the game. Ricky Rubio had 12 assists and was tied for team-high in box +/- with a +30. Dean Wade, shot 6-8 for the game, with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and a box +/- of +20. I value guys stepping up, and I value guys doing double digits in non-scoring categories. So that’s why I can’t ignore both players and am awarding both one point for their season total.

Our front-runner for the Sixth Man of the Year is Kevin Love, who had 15 points, six rebounds, and a box +/- of +24. He did all that on just 4-6 shooting and in 15 minutes. Yeah, he’s super-efficient this season.

Lastly, the three-pointer goes to Darius Garland who shot 7-11 from the floor, with 21 points in just 25 minutes, while posting a box +/- of +30, tying Rubio for the game-high.

Yearly Standing:

1. Jarrett Allen (34 points)
2. Ricky Rubio (26 points)
3. Darius Garland (27 points)
4. Lauri Markkanen (21 points)
5. Kevin Love (20 points)
6. Cedi Osman (19 points)
7. Evan Mobley (14 points)
8. *Tied* Dean Wade & Isaac Okoro (4 points)
9. Dylan Windler (1 point)