The Cavaliers opened the Kenny Atkinson period by taking part in the kind of basketball they’ve been touting — quick, with tempo, with a function. They’ve additionally been saying they need to get Evan Mobley extra concerned in his fourth season.
Nicely, they did all that and extra in routing the Raptors by a 136-106 depend in a season-opening street win.
Mobley led the way in which, proving why he’s one of many brightest younger stars within the league, pouring in 25 factors on an environment friendly 9-for-14 capturing. Donovan Mitchell wasn’t far behind, including 21 of his personal, and Caris LeVert was red-hot, pulling down 8 of his 9 photographs en path to 19 factors.
The Cavs confirmed off their depth and defensive prowess, particularly within the paint, the place they outscored the Raptors 68-38. Jarrett Allen, ever the rim protector, threw down three monster dunks throughout a pivotal second-quarter run that noticed Cleveland draw back for good.
Toronto, in the meantime, regarded like a group looking for its footing. Scottie Barnes was ice-cold, ending 3-for-14 for simply 9 factors. The Raptors’ younger core struggled to determine any type of rhythm, with turnovers piling up — 19 in whole, resulting in 30 factors for the Cavaliers. Chris Boucher got here off the bench with a powerful 18-point effort, and rookie Gradey Dick flashed a few of his scoring potential with 16, but it surely was too little, too late.
The turning level got here late within the second quarter. Cleveland closed the half on a 20-4 run, capitalizing on six Toronto turnovers. It was pure domination within the paint, with the Cavs hammering dwelling 5 dunks in that stretch. By the point the buzzer sounded for halftime, Cleveland was sitting comfortably on a 69-49 lead.
The Cavaliers subsequent head dwelling to open their season at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse towards Detroit.
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