Cavs Top 3: Caris LeVert fails to chart in first game with Cleveland

Cleveland Cavaliers defeated San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

The Cleveland Cavaliers rolled to an easy win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, securing their first win in the Caris LeVert era. The Cavs are now undefeated in the LeVert Era, defeating the Spurs 105-92, and moving to 34-21 on the year.

LeVert did not start for the Cavs, instead of coming off the bench and playing 28 minutes alongside both the starters and second-unit. The new Cavalier did struggle, shooting just 4-11 and finished with just 11 points. He did post a box+/- of +8 on the game, however, showing his ability to fit in alongside his new teammates. He did struggle but he’s also fitting in a new system, with new obligations and expectations, so it’s wasn’t unexpected.

He did make a highlight though, connecting with Jarrett Allen on an alley-oop, making it the first time the two men partnered up for a bucket since their days in Brooklyn together.

The Cavs got Darius Garland back for the game and went with the expected starting five of Garland, Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. This will likely be the starting five going forward, especially when Lauri Markkanen comes back. LeVert will be able to get minutes with both squads and will likely be a ball-handler with the second unit and a scorer with the first. LeVert wasn’t the only bench guy who didn’t shoot too well, as Kevin Love shot just 3-13 on the game. So it was just one of those nights.

Caris LeVert doesn’t crack the Top 3 in his first game with the Cleveland Cavaliers

Cavs Top 3

1. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley (Tie)
2. Isaac Okoro
3. Darius Garland

Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley got the tie for the first point, as both men posted near-identical statistical numbers for the game. Allen had 15 points, 14 rebounds, a block, a steal, and a box+/- of +11. Mobley had 18 points, 12 rebounds, a block, a steal, and a box+/- of +12.  Both men had a great game so it was hard to only pick one.

For the two-pointer, we’re going with Isaac Okoro, who was stellar on both ends of the court. He finished with 14 points and a box+/- of +14. Great shooting nights aren’t common for Okoro but when he’s on, he’s the cherry on top of the offense.

As for the three-pointer, it’s Darius Garland, who was finally back in the lineup. He was a monster offensively, going 12-15 from the floor, 3-3 from three, and finished with 27 points, six assists, and five rebounds. He also posted a box+/- of +13 for the night.

Yearly Standing:

1. Darius Garland (58 points)
2. Jarrett Allen (56 points)
3. Kevin Love (51)
4. Evan Mobley (34 points)
5. (*Tie*) Lauri Markkanen/ Ricky Rubio (32points)
6. Cedi Osman (29 points)
7. Isaac Okoro (10 points)
8. Dean Wade (7 Points)
9. (*Tie*) Rajon Rondo/Lamar Stevens (4 points)
10. Brandon Goodwin (2 points)
11. Dylan Windler (1 point)