National Basketball Association

Preseason Game 1 Grades: Cleveland Cavaliers 117, Orlando Magic 102

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Dec 11, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Jones (1) celebrates with forward Kevin Love (0) after scoring four three-pointers in a row against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. The Cavaliers won 111-76. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers took the court for the first time since hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June. Here’s how the team graded out against the Orlando Magic.

The Cleveland Cavaliers absolutely dominated their first preseason game. They made the Orlando Magic look like a JV team at times even though the Cavs were without Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson.

The Cavs played with a focus and energy that was absent at times last regular. This is the team’s first full season with Tyronn Lue and there seemed to be much more continuity on both sides of the ball.

That being said, it was a preseason game against a mediocre Magic team. You can only take so much from these games. But the Cavaliers did give us plenty of reason to look forward to the regular season. Including this monster dunk by Jordan McRae.

While LeBron James and Kevin Love started out strong, the night belonged to McRae and Kay Felder. They played with the same style that captivated our attention during the Summer League.

Here are our grades from tonight’s performance.

Mar 5, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the game against the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James

LeBron James

SF, Cleveland Cavaliers

ALeBron appeared to be in midseason form already. He finished the game with seven points, six assists, and two rebounds in only 13 minutes of play. James has reportedly been working on his three point shot during the offseason and it showed as he made a contested triple early in the first quarter. LeBron appears to be in great shape heading into this season. I wouldn’t be surprised if he sits out most of the remaining preseason games.Next: Kevin Love

Jun 16, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) warms up before game six of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Love

Kevin Love

PF, Cleveland Cavaliers

B+Love had a solid performance on Wednesday night. He finished with eight points and four boards in the limited amount of time that he played. Love also completed one of his famous outlet passes to LeBron which we all have grown to love. He did a good job of attacking the basket when he had the opportunity to do so. He did a much better job of doing that towards the end of last season, but that is still something he can improve on. Love has shown that he is at his best when he is aggressive on the offensive end of the floor. This was a solid first outing for him.Next: Channing Frye

May 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Channing Frye (9) reacts in the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Channing Frye

Channing Frye

PF, Cleveland Cavaliers

A-Channing Frye was on fire in his first preseason appearance. He hit both of his three pointers and finished with 12 points on five of eight shooting. With the loss of Timofey Mozgov his role on the Cavs should increase. This was a good start to his season, we’ll see how he improves on it moving forward. Next: DeAndre Liggins

Nov 22, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin (L) watches from the team box in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

DeAndre Liggins

DeAndre Liggins

PG, Cleveland Cavaliers

B-Liggins started at point guard on Wednesday night. This was his opportunity to seize the backup point guard role, but he did not make the most of that opportunity. Liggins finished with six points and three assists. He is not a guy that will score a ton of points. He doesn’t have a great shot and he’s not exceptionally well at getting to the rim. However, he is an excellent defender. He has the versatility to guard multiple positions with his seven foot wingspan and his athletisism. He did a solid job defensively against the Magic, but his inefficiencies on offense were apparent. Him and Iman Shumpert showed that they can be a great defensive backcourt, but they don’t work well together on the offensive end. I prefer Wiggins as my backup point guard because what he brings to the table defensively, we’ll see if the Cavaliers feel the same. Next: Kay Felder

Oct 5, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kay Felder (20) brings the ball up court against Orlando Magic guard C.J. Watson (32) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Kay Felder

Kay Felder

PG, Cleveland Cavaliers

A-Kay Felder showed that he can be a sparkplug off of the bench. He finished with 14 points on seven of 11 shooting. Felder was impressive in his first official NBA action. He showed that he has the ability to score against other NBA players. Felder scored six points in 51 seconds which included an impressive put-back tip-in. However, his limitations were still prevalent. Oftentimes he has to jump to make a pass because of his height. This caught him in an awkward position a couple times. He also showed that he struggles to fight through screens defensively. We will see how the Cavaliers use Felder going forward, but one thing is certain. He is fun to watch play. Next: Jonathan Holmes

Apr 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue reacts in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Holmes

Jonathan Holmes

F, Cleveland Cavaliers

BHolmes does not have an easy road to making this team. Presumably he has to steal a roster spot from Dahntay Jones to do so. That being said, he did look good on Wednesday night. He finished with 12 points on 50 percent shooting from the field. Holmes showed that he can stretch the floor by knocking down a couple of triples. While he may be a longshot to make the team, he showed that he can’t be counted out. We’ll see how he plays in the remaining preseason games. Next: Jordan McRae

Apr 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan McRae (12) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons center Aron Baynes (12) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan McRae

Jordan McRae

SG, Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs first preseason game is in the books. They will resume action on Saturday, Oct. 8th at 7:30 p.m. against the Philadelphia 76ers.

What are your thoughts on the first preseason game? Do you agree with the grades? Let us know in the comments section or tweet us @KJG_NBA.

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