The Cleveland Cavaliers narrowly dropped their preseason opener to the Chicago Bulls 118-117. Thomas Bryant had a chance to make two game-winning shots in the closing seconds, but was blocked both times.
It wasn’t meant to be.
The Cavs starters, minus Sam Merrill, who missed the game with a “minor injury,” played well in the 18 minutes they were given. Evan Mobley looked assertive, like you’d want him to, as he led the group with 10 shot attempts en route to 12 points, six rebounds, and two helpers.
Donovan Mitchell seemed spry and in-game shape when on the court, which is about all that you could want from the superstar guard in his first exhibition game. He provided seven points on 3-5 shooting with two assists and two steals.
Jarrett Allen supplied a serviceable five points and two steals. Jaylon Tyson, who filled in for Merrill, couldn’t find his shot as he went 0-5 from the field.
The standout of the starters was, however, newly asserted small forward De’Andre Hunter. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said at media day that he wants to utilize him more offensively, saying he was arguably the team’s “best player” this offseason.
We saw what Aktinson was referring to as the Cavs ran numerous sets just to get Hunter the ball. He didn’t disappoint as he efficiently deposited 17 points on 7-9 shooting by attacking all three levels.
Someone’s role in their first preseason game doesn’t mean it’ll transfer over to when games count (and the team is fully healthy). We can, however, say that Atkinson isn’t just saying the right thing about a player who was underutilized last year in the lead-up to the season. He is clearly making him a priority now in the offense.
There were other standouts for the Cavs on Tuesday night. Craig Porter Jr was chief among that group. He confidently went 5-5 from beyond the arc to tie Hunter with a game-high 17 points. It was the exact type of performance you want to see from Porter, who’s struggled to take that shot when defenses have dared him to in the past.
Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr. looked good in their debuts with their new team. Ball couldn’t find his shot as he went 0-4 from the field with no points, but he provided activity and length on the perimeter that the Cavs haven’t had at the lead guard spot in a long time.
Nance provided the overall competence that has made him such a good role player throughout his career. He finished the evening with 11 points on 4-9 shooting with four rebounds and three assists.
Lastly, Tyreese Proctor had a solid debut. He looked comfortable creating for himself and others off the dribble. This included pouring in the three-ball as he went BLANK from beyond the arc in a BLANK point performance.
Tuesday was also Isaac Okoro’s first game back in Cleveland since being traded away this summer. He received a warm reception from the fans when he was announced in the starting lineup and got a high five from his old friend Moondog. He ended the evening with 11 points on 3-7 shooting with two rebounds and two assists.
The Cavs have three more preseason games remaining. They head on the road to take on the Bulls again on Thursday at 8 PM.
