Cavaliers drop preseason opener to the Bulls 116-112
BY TIM SHIRER
CAVALIERS BEAT WRITER
(CLEVELAND, OH) - Tuesday night’s preseason opener for the Cleveland Cavaliers marked the beginning of a trip that Cavs fans and those in the organization hope will not end until June. The Cavs welcomed the Chicago Bulls into Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. New Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said before the game that it was his intention to have every player on the Cavs roster in the game at some point. He did just that getting all 17 active players in the game in the 116-112 loss.
The score is irrelevant in an exhibition game but play by newer players or injuries to players are significant in determining how the roster will look when the season opens on October 25th.
During the second quarter Max Strus pulled up lame with a bruised hip and did not return. Everyone else came through the game healthy.
Not that numbers matter in the long run during preseason, but Evan Mobley led the Cavs in scoring with 19 points shooting 9 of 14 from the field and hit his only free throw of the game in 18:46 minutes on the court. Another thing Atkinson talked about in the pre-game press conference was that Mobley was going to be a big part of the offense this season. Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen all also played 18:46 combining for 32 points, nine boards and 11 assists. Seeing Mobley, Mitchell, Garland and Allen all on the floor at the same time was a sight for sore eyes after the way the injury bug hit the team hard during the postseason in the spring.
Most of the second half belonged to the Cavs bench and training camp invitees. Caris LeVert and Ty Jerome, who is healthy after missing most of last season, both played 17 minutes. LeVert had 11 points, four assists and six rebounds. Jerome struggled from the field scoring five points hitting two shots in ten attempts.
Cavs number one pick Jaylon Tyson played the entire fourth quarter scoring eight points. He was 2 of 6 from the field and 4 of 4 from the free throw line. Second Round pick and Cavs two-way player Luke Travers saw nearly eight minutes all in the final period and finished with four points, 2 of 4 from the field.
Atkinson also mentioned that Emoni Bates surgery was a success. Bates attended tonight’s game.
The Cavs will be in action next on Thursday night at home when they host the Indiana Pacers at 7 pm..
POSTED 10/08/2024 21:57
Lake County Sentinel
Cavaliers .
Photo by Tim Shirer
