Phil Jackson once said:
“[A]t the start of every season I always encouraged players to focus on the journey rather than the goal. What matters most is playing the game the right way and having the courage to grow, as human beings as well as basketball players. When you do that, the ring takes care of itself.”
So on a night when over 13,000 fans turned out to watch the preseason game for Cleveland even after two losses to the 76ers, the Cavs took another step on the long journey that is a basketball season. It appears that the team is beginning to grow with each other as players and hopefully human beings, too. But it’s too soon to talk about that ring!
Cavaliers Starters
Cleveland started with Lamar Stevens at forward, Isaac Okoro as the #3, and Jarrett Allen manning the middle while the Garland/Mitchell backcourt had their third start together.
Atlanta was coming back from two preseason games in Abu Dhabi, but that didn’t stop them from taking a 24-19 lead after the first quarter.
Photo by Tim Phillis, The News Herald
Second Quarter – The Cedi Show!
https://twitter.com/herseynba/status/1580458506531917824
Behind the play of Cedi Osman and his 4 three-pointers in this quarter, the Wine and Gold took control of the game. Cleveland torched the Hawks for 32 points to take a 51-41 halftime lead.
The Cavaliers hit 8 treys in the frame.
Photo by Tim Phillis, The News Herald
But both teams looked sluggish as the two teams only scored four points on from the three minute mark near the end of the quarter.
Third Quarter – Hawks closing in!
Photo by Tim Phillis, The News Herald
John Collins and Trae Young, whose bucket brought Atlanta to a tie at 65 with 4:39 left in the quarter, led the charge for the Hawks. Garland had the final four points to give the Cavs the lead, 75-72 by the closing of the quarter.
Photo by Tim Phillis, The News Herald
Fourth Quarter-Big it home, boys!
The last quarter saw the Hawks tie it up at 85, but the young Cavalier squad pushed the advantage to 105-92 with 3:11 left after an Isaac Okoro bucket, whose showing Wednesday was solid with 16 points in 33 minutes for the game.
The team held the advantage to the final buzzer for their first preseason win of the 2022-23 season.
Last game
Friday night will be the last preseason game in Orlando facing the Magic. Game tips off at 7:00 PM.
The Cavaliers open the season north of the border in Toronto next Wednesday, October 19th. Maybe this season and the addition of Mitchell will see another ring later in June of next year. This team has the strength and confidence to grow, as Jackson said. They play the game the right way already. So, why not this team and a ring?
Top Scorers
Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell 24 points, 8-26 (4-10 from 3pt land), 4 boards 3 assists
Darius Garland 23 points, 8-21 (4-10), 12 assists
Cedi Osman 16 points, 6-12 (4-9), 7 boards
Isaac Okoro 16 points, 7-9 (2-4), 3 steals
Highlights
Want the highlights from the game? Here you go!
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