The Cleveland Cavaliers are 9-5. They play at home against the Milwaukee Bucks today. But before we look ahead, let’s look back at their weekend win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
The First Sip
It’s been a tough 6 months
for fake snow.
The Cavaliers have only hit their ‘Cavalanche’ machine twice since installing confetti launchers in the top rows of the arena back in April. The Cavalanche is supposed to be a fun way to juice the crowd and celebrate good basketball. It’s nothing more than a vibe, no matter what they try to sell you.
With that said, Rocket Arena hasn’t been able to douse their fans in confetti primarily because the Cavs haven’t given them enough opportunities. There have been some big runs that probably had someone’s hand hovering over the ‘Cavalanche’ button — but nothing strong enough to justify pressing it.
Until Saturday night.
The Cavs opened the fourth quarter with a 27-8 run, re-energizing the Cleveland crowd after a sluggish start to the game. This run had it all: defensive plays, three-point jumpers, and crisp ball movement leading to big dunks at the rim.
Donovan Mitchell was outstanding. His three-point bombs put the Grizzlies on their back foot while his drives to the basket made things easier for everyone around him. Cleveland’s offense found a legit rhythym while Evan Mobley anchored the defense with a pair of gigantic blocks. Credit to Sam Merrill, Jarrett Allen and Nae’Qwan Tomlin for bringing the energy on defense, as well.
There’s something special about a Cavalanche that digs the team out of a hole. Normally, the Cavalanche is when you take a lead and make it even bigger — blowing the game wide open and ending it prematurely against an opponent who had no chance. It’s almost cruel.
But a Cavalanche that comes on a night where nothing felt easy? That might feel even better.
Saturday’s Cavalanche was a game-saver. It lifted the Cavs out of a slump and put them ahead when they needed it most. A 9-5 record feels much better than 8-6 record. Now let’s keep this momentum rolling.
