The boss was respected. While their streak of fifteen victories was stopped last week by Boston, the Cavaliers, solid leaders of the Eastern Conference (17 victories, 1 defeat), are still as dashing as ever. Led by a team that remains as well-established as ever (all the starters scored at least 10 points), Cleveland made short work of Toronto, which will be deprived of Immanuel Quickley, its starting back guard, at least until mid-December.
Quickly sheltered thanks to a high-flying first quarter (38-22), the Cavs managed the pace. Without being brilliant, but keeping their opponents at a good distance. Behind Donovan Mitchell, precise (26 points at 55%), and Jarrett Allen, double-double (23 points and 13 rebounds), the Ohio franchise relied on a collective that was still as attractive (16 points for Garland , 14 points and 11 rebounds for Mobley, 26 points off the bench for Ty Jerome) and exhausting defense, especially in the last quarter.
Scottie Barnes (18 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists) and Jakob Poeltl (12 points and 19 rebounds) did not manage to reverse the trend despite some good passages from the Canadians in the second and third quarters. Every time they showed signs of rebellion, Cleveland flexed their muscles before opening a gap again. The Cavs, resting for three days, will chain a back to back against Altanta (Thursday and Friday) before meeting Boston (Monday), their runner-up.
Philly still in the tough
The days go by and are the same for Philadelphia. Announced as a headliner in an Eastern Conference where it had been accustomed to the top 4 for several seasons, the Pennsylvania franchise is at its worst. The teammates of Joel Embiid and Paul George, still injured, took another slap at home against the Los Angeles Clippers who were efficient, but not great either (99-125).
James Harden (23 points including 12 of 12 shots) and Ivica Zubac (16 points, 12 rebounds) did not need to exert their talent to overcome a lost team without a leader. If Jared McCain, the surprising rookie from Philly, finished as his team’s top scorer despite a sluggish skill (18 points, 20% shooting), the Sixers shone through their mediocrity. Tyrese Maxey is far too lonely (17 points on 5 of 13 shots) in this slow team, lost and incapable of defending when it takes a break.
Recurring injuries partly explain this catastrophic start to the season which sees Philly occupy penultimate place (3 wins and 13 losses) in a weak Eastern Conference. Above all, we must talk about the weakness of the game offered by the Nick Nurse team and its failing state of mind since the start of a regular season which risks being long if Embiid’s gang does not manage to string together victories.
