Cavs thumped by Pacers 111-102
BY STONE LEXINGTON
CAVALIERS BEAT WRITER
(CLEVELAND, OH) - Success in the NBA preseason does not predict future results, but the Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping to build the tendencies necessary to compete in the Eastern Conference this season without You-know-who.
The Cavs entered Monday night’s preseason contest against the Indiana Pacers with a 2-0 record, both wins coming in a home-and-home against the East favorite Boston Celtics. Kyrie Irving played in neither game for the Celtics, but Boston had most of their regular rotation active for both games. On Monday, however, the Cavs suffered their first loss of the preseason, 111-102 in Quicken Loans Arena.
The Cavs let Monday’s game get away from them early, as the Pacers secured a 28-21 lead at the end of the first quarter. By the time halftime arrived, the Cavs trailed 59-39 without the services of Kevin Love and Jordan Clarkson for the evening.
The Cavs were also without Cedi Osman, a player their expecting big things from this season, for much of the game after he exited the contest in the first quarter with soreness in his right ankle. Osman had five points in seven minutes on Monday.
“He’s been good,” Lue said of Osman. “I think he gives us a guy who’s versatile, can handle the basketball, rebound and push, make plays in the pick-and-roll…Overall, he’s been really good.”
The injury shouldn’t keep Osman from missing any regular season time, and he should get plenty of minutes this season to show where his progression is.
“He’s always been confident,” Lue said. “He’s been a confident player since he’s been here, fearless.”
Against Indiana, Kyle Korver led the Cavs with 17 points, while John Holland totaled 13 points.
Victor Oladipo led Indiana with 23 and six rebounds.
Cleveland’s final preseason game will be against the Detroit Pistons at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Mich. before opening the season on October 17 in Toronto against the Raptors.
.
POSTED 10/08/2018 23:37
Lake County Sentinel
