Cleveland blew a 29-point lead at Philadelphia and lost 114-106. Now it gets Brooklyn at home, with the fixes needed fast.
What actually broke in Philadelphia?
Everything after halftime. Cleveland led 69-45 at the break, then scored 37 in the second half while Philadelphia put up 69. The Sixers ran off a 16-0 stretch across the half, and a 15-0 run in the fourth turned a close game into 104-95. Cleveland called timeouts after several of those runs. None of them stopped the bleeding.
Is the turnover problem fixable?
It has to be. James Harden turned it over six times, Donovan Mitchell five and Peyton Watson five. That is 16 from three players. Watson was minus-19 in 30 minutes, Harden minus-17. Those are the guys handling the ball when the lead went away. Cleveland does not need new plays. It needs fewer gifts, starting tonight.
Should Kenny Atkinson change the closing group?
He should at least look at it. Jaylon Tyson and Sam Merrill were both plus-5 in 24 minutes, the best marks on the team. Evan Mobley was minus-15 and finished the game on the floor. Jarrett Allen, cleared after his knee scare, had 14 points in 28 minutes and was minus-2. The numbers favor shorter leashes for the starters who sank.
Can Brooklyn really make this hard?
Not if Cleveland plays a full game. The Nets went 20-62 last season and allowed 118.2 points per 100 possessions. They are 0-1 and Tyler Bilodeau is out with a shoulder injury. But Julius Randle averaged 21.1 points and Michael Porter Jr. 24.2 last season. Brooklyn also played two nights ago. Cleveland had eight days off.
What does one more loss do to this team?
It makes Sunday a problem. Cleveland sits 11th in the East at 0-1, and Minnesota arrives October 26, then Washington on the 28th. After that come two road games, at Atlanta and Milwaukee. Last season's 52-30 team does not panic over one night. A second straight loss to a 20-62 team would change the tone.
When do the Cavaliers play the Nets?
Cleveland hosts Brooklyn today, October 24. Both teams are 0-1.
How did the Cavaliers lose to the 76ers?
They led by 29 and lost 114-106 on October 22. Philadelphia outscored them 69-37 in the second half.
