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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- News and notes from the Cavaliers’ 104-93 preseason win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday at Ohio State University:
1. Cavs coach Mike Brown liked what he saw at beginning, saying his team came out and “played the right way.” What is playing the right way? According to Brown, it’s working hard to get open, making sharp cuts and crisp passes, and “keeping things simple” on offense.
2. Of course, this is Mike Brown we’re talking about, and while he wants unselfishness and intelligent basketball on offense, he’s still mostly concerned with the other end of the floor. Still, Brown praised the Cavs’ ability to pass for 30 assists (12 by Kyrie Irving) on 38 baskets. “That’s not a bad job moving the basketball for a team that hasn’t spent a lot of time on the offensive end of the floor (in practice),” Brown said.
3. Obviously, Brown spoke highly about Irving’s 12 assists, Tristan Thompson’s 16 rebounds and Alonzo Gee’s all-around effort. Irving scored 17 points, Thompson added 15 and Gee 14. We know about Irving and Thompson, but it was particularly big night for Gee -- who is trying to win the starting small forward spot. Or actually keep it, since he held the job last season.
4. Brown on Gee: “Alonzo took what was given to him. We ask our small forwards to defend first, rebound second and keep the game simple because we have guys who can dance with the basketball. You keep the game simple by keeping your hands ready and spot up, particularly in the corner. When the ball hits your hands, let it go.” On Monday, that was Gee.
5. That said, Brown still is giving no one an edge for the starting job, and that makes sense. Earl Clark, the other candidate, rested and did not play Monday. Also, Brown said that just because a guy starts at small forward on opening night (Oct. 30 vs. Brooklyn), it doesn’t mean he’ll start all season.
6. As for Irving’s 12 assists, he explained it this way: “Guys made shots tonight.” Sounds simple, but it’s true. Irving often puts his teammates in good position to score. They just need to knock it down.
7. Irving’s assist total was particularly impressive when you consider he spent time at shooting guard Monday (while Matthew Dellavedova ran the point). “For the first time in my three years, I can play (both guard spots) comfortably,” Irving said. “It allows me to not exert so much energy dribbling the ball, especially at the top of the key. It’s something we go through every day at practice.”
8. Irving went 6-for-10 from the field, Thompson went 7-for-11 and Gee was 5-for-10. So it’s understandable that Brown reserved his highest praise for those three. Mostly, that type of ball movement and shot selection bodes well for when things really count. It’s just another example that the Cavs have really taken a liking and have a great deal of respect for their coach.
9. Granted, this night was far from perfect, as the Cavs got sloppy during the second quarter. That was a bad habit for too much of last season, and something Brown plans to correct. “We started turning the ball over, and defensively, we were kind of running all over the place,” Brown said. “It was tough to see. If we want to be a good team or a great team, we’ve got to be consistent with what we’re trying to do no matter the score.”
10. Along with Clark, starting shooting guard Dion Waiters also sat out to rest. C.J. Miles started in Waiters’ spot. Miles finished with 12 points.
11. Backup rookie swingman Sergey Karasev left the game in the second quarter with a sprained ankle. He’ll be re-evaluated Tuesday.
12. The Cavs will practice at Xavier University in Cincinnati on Tuesday, then play their final “home” game of the preseason Wednesday at U.S. Bank Arena. They conclude the preseason Thursday at Charlotte. Both games will be televised by FOX Sports Ohio.
Twitter: @SamAmicoFSO
