Top 3: Cedi Osman steps up for the Cleveland Cavaliers in loss

The Cleveland Cavaliers fell to the Toronto Raptors to open the season but Cedi Osman stepped up.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were unable to get the win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, losing by three. This ruins the team’s chances of going 82-0, and we’re all disappointed about that very possible thing not happening. Sarcasm aside, one loss by three, to a fellow top dog in the Eastern Conference isn’t anything to worry about.

The team did a good job and had a big lead at various points in the contest, but the Raptors are well coached, with a good roster and some breaks just don’t go your way. That said, the team was without one of its best shot-creators and three-point shooters in Darius Garland. Garland got hurt early in the game and left due to an eye injury. The injury isn’t expected to be something that will hold him out of many games but it did hinder the Cavs on Wednesday not having their floor general out there.

Donovan Mitchell took over most of the first-team ball control duties, with Raul Neto coming in as a stand-in for the second unit. It was a solid effort by both men but the team as a whole just didn’t get it done.

The Cavs as a whole played well, with Dean Wade and Kevin Love doing some good work off the bench, and Evan Moble showing an early presence from behind the three-point line. None of them made the Top 3 today.

The Top 3 is the same this year as last, but with a more obvious presentation. We pick the top three Cavaliers from each game, assign them a point value of one through three, and tally up the totals. Garland finished off last year in the top spot, with Love earning second.

So with that said, let’s see who ends up in the top spot this year, starting with game one.

Cleveland Cavaliers top three performers vs. the Toronto Raptors

One Point – Jarrett Allen

Jarrett Allen gave the Cavs a decent night on both ends of the court. He went 5-8 from the floor and hit three free throws for a total of 13 points. He also pulled down 10 rebounds, had two blocks, and did a great job keeping defenders out of the paint. If only the perimeter defense was as good.

Two Points – Cedi Osman

Cedi Osman is a guy who is up and down more than an elevator, but the forward was what the Cavaliers needed against Toronto. He went 6-12 from the floor and 3-6 from three-point. Counting his two free throws, Osman finished with 17 points, while also pulling down a rebound.

Three Points – Donovan Mitchell

Lastly is Donovan Mitchell, the top point-getter for the night. He scored 31 and put up nine rebounds on 12-21 shooting, but only went 2-8 from three. He needs to reduce his three-point attempts, as it’s not his shot, and work more inside.

Season Standings

1. Donovan Mitchell – 3 Points
2. Cedi Osman – 2 Points
3. Jarrett Allen – 1 Point