The Cavs beat the Nets 125-121 after leading by 22 and needed Sam Merrill's free throws to close it. Minnesota comes to Cleveland Monday, and the schedule does not ease up.
Was the Nets win a good sign or a warning?
Both. Cleveland won, which beats the alternative after the Philadelphia loss. But the Nets scored 41 in the final quarter and went on a 9-0 run that cut a 13-point deficit to four. Merrill's two free throws at 0:05 made it 125-121. A team with this payroll should not need that.
Who is carrying the offense right now?
The front line kept pace with Donovan Mitchell. He scored 22, Jarrett Allen added 21 on 7-of-8 shooting, and Evan Mobley had 20 points and 10 rebounds. James Harden shot 1-of-8 from the field, but he still made 9 of 11 free throws and had 7 assists and 8 rebounds.
What does the schedule look like from here?
Minnesota on Monday, October 26, then Washington on the 28th. After that come Atlanta on the 29th and Milwaukee on October 31, with Oklahoma City back in Cleveland on November 2. That is five games in eight days. King James Gospel has already called the stretch brutal, and it starts now.
Is anyone hurt?
Nobody is on the injury list today. Nae'Qwan Tomlin was listed as cleared on October 22, two days after a report had him out for weeks with a back problem. Peyton Watson played 31 minutes against Brooklyn. The roster is as available as it has been all month, and Atkinson needs it to stay that way.
What is the Cavaliers' record?
Cleveland is 1-1 after losing 114-106 at Philadelphia on October 22 and beating Brooklyn 125-121 on October 24.
When do the Cavaliers play next?
They host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, October 26, then host the Wizards on October 28.
