Fear The Sword
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Turnovers continue to plague the Cavs in the fourth quarter
The Cleveland Cavaliers have lost both fourth quarters they’ve played this season, surrendering a 24‑point combined deficit despite a 125‑121 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Coach Kenny Atkinson cites turnovers—16 lost possessions—as the root cause, while players like Donovan Mitchell and Mario Hezonja blame aggressive, late‑game blitz defenses that trap the ball. With only two reliable ball‑handlers and limited chemistry in the new lineup, the Cavs struggle to find open teammates. Both Mitchell and Hezonja say the issues are fixable and expect the early‑season growing pains to pay off later, but the team must tighten ball security now.
Diving deeper into Cavs narrow 125-121 victory over the Nets
In their home opener on Oct. 24, the Cleveland Cavaliers held off a furious Brooklyn Nets comeback to win 125-121, narrowly preserving a 22‑point fourth‑quarter lead. Michael Porter Jr. led with 28 points and four steals, Jarrett Allen added 21 points and a surprise three‑pointer, and Donovan Mitchell contributed 22 points, four assists and five rebounds while noting early‑season growing pains. Brooklyn’s James Harden supplied a highlight‑reel assist to Allen, but the Nets rallied to cut the margin to two before Cleveland sealed the win at the free‑throw line. The game underscored the Cavs’ continued fourth‑quarter execution issues despite the victory.
Player Grades: Cavs vs Nets – Jarrett Allen plays the unsung hero
In the Cavs’ home‑opener win over the Nets, Jarrett Allen earns player‑of‑the‑game honors with 21 points, eight rebounds, two steals and a near‑perfect 7‑for‑8 shooting night, landing an A‑minus grade. Donovan Mitchell contributes 22 points but drops to a C+, while Evan Mobley posts a solid 20‑10 line for a B+. James Harden struggles, scoring just 12 on 1‑8 shooting and receives a D+. Bench spark plugs Jaylon Tyson (15 points) and Mario Hezonja (9) earn B‑ and B grades despite turnover issues. The grades breakdown highlights the team’s strengths and early‑season inconsistencies.
Cavs nearly blow another lead, hold on in 125-121 win over Nets
The Cleveland Cavaliers scrape a 125-121 win over the Brooklyn Nets after nearly surrendering a 22‑point lead. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen spark the start, each dropping 13 points and Allen hitting his first three‑pointer since December 2025, while the Cavs shoot 10‑of‑17 from beyond the arc in the first half. Turnovers plague Cleveland, with 23 total and eight in the final quarter, allowing Michael Porter Jr.’s 28 points and a 43‑point combined effort from Julius Randle and Egor Demin to cut the lead to two with under 10 seconds left. The victory puts the Cavs at 1‑1 heading into a home game against Minnesota on Monday.
Cavs are hoping to learn from surrendering a 29-point lead on opening night
After blowing a 29‑point lead to the Philadelphia 76ers on opening night, the Cleveland Cavaliers are dissecting the loss to avoid repeat mistakes. Coach Kenny Atkinson points to rising live‑ball turnovers, three‑point variance, and poor second‑half execution as key factors, while players like Mario Hezonja and rookie Peyton Watson stress the mental shift needed to treat any big advantage as a modest lead. The Cavs plan to emphasize ball security, smarter matchups and the simple mantra “pass to the open man” in practice, hoping the frustrating defeat becomes a catalyst for improvement in high‑stakes games.
Cavs vs. Nets home opener game thread
The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to rebound as they host the Brooklyn Nets for their home opener. Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavalier fans and make your voice heard!
Mario Hezonja waiving off Donovan Mitchell shows why the Cavs signed him: ‘I’m here to help you’
Mario Hezonja makes a splash in his first NBA game in six years, boldly waiving off star Donovan Mitchell to create a one‑on‑one scoring chance for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The veteran’s confidence and court‑reading helped the Cavs secure a crucial basket late in the third quarter and earned praise from coach Kenny Atkinson as a positive sign after a recent loss. Hezonja says the team’s welcoming environment and his role in easing pressure on Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are exactly why Cleveland signed him. His early impact hints at valuable veteran depth heading into the playoffs.
Cavs vs. Nets: How to watch, odds, and injury report
The Cleveland Cavaliers (0-1) host the Brooklyn Nets (0-1) on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 PM in Rocket Arena, with DAZN and NBA League Pass broadcasting. After blowing a 29‑point lead in a 114‑106 loss to the Sixers, Cleveland looks to bounce back against a Nets squad that isn’t expected to chase a playoff spot but could pull off upsets thanks to veterans Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. The Cavs are favored by 10.5 points, but they’re missing Nae’Qwan Tomlin (back), Khalifa Diop (left knee) and Ernest Udeh Jr. (G‑League). Brooklyn lists Tyler Bilodeau (shoulder) out. Expected lineups: Cavs – James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen; Nets – Mikel Brown Jr., Egor Demin, Michael Porter Jr., Julius Randle, Day’Ron Sharpe. Cleveland leads the recent series 7‑0, having won 106‑102 on March 1.
Diving deeper into Cavs opening-night collapse against 76ers
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2025‑26 season appears derailed after surrendering a 29‑point lead to the Philadelphia 76ers on opening night. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 32 points and crucial fourth‑quarter shots, while LeBron James contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, steering the game with high‑IQ play despite a modest stat line. Donovan Mitchell matched Maxey’s 32 points, but James Harden’s 16 points came with six turnovers, highlighting the Cavs’ lack of composure in clutch moments. Bench standout Mario Hezonja added 10 points and defensive versatility. The loss underscores Cleveland’s reliance on veteran leadership and raises questions about Harden’s role as the offense’s stabilizer.
Player Grades: Cavs at Sixers – A tough debut for Peyton Watson
In the Cavs' season‑opening loss to the Sixers, Mario Hezonja earns the top grade (B+) after a 10‑point, 2‑steal performance that includes a pick‑six and strong post play. Donovan Mitchell puts up a solid 32 points and 10 rebounds but his five turnovers drop him to a C+. Rookie Peyton Watson struggles, scoring just 8 points with five turnovers and receives an F, raising concerns about his offensive impact. Jarrett Allen (14 points, 7 rebounds) and Evan Mobley (18 points, 8 rebounds) start strong but fade in the second half, earning D+ and F grades respectively. James Harden adds 16 points but racks up six turnovers, resulting in a D+ grade.
Cavs forfeit 29-point lead, fall to Sixers 114-106
The Cleveland Cavaliers squander a 29‑point first‑half lead to buckle against the Philadelphia 76ers, losing 114‑106 on Oct. 22, 2026. After forcing 15 turnovers early, Cleveland flips the script as Philadelphia cuts the deficit with only one turnover in the second half and traps the Cavs in the paint by repositioning Joel Embiid. Cleveland’s frontcourt drops from 29 first‑half points to just three after halftime. Amid the collapse, Mario Hezonja shines with a post‑up slam and steady defense, offering a bright spot for the Cavs.
Cavs at 76ers opening night game thread
The Cleveland Cavaliers kick off their 2026‑27 campaign against a revamped Philadelphia 76ers lineup led by LeBron James. The opening night clash, highlighted by a photo of Joel Embiid and Donovan Mitchell from a January 2026 game, promises high‑stakes basketball as both teams vie for early momentum. Fans are invited to join the discussion thread and share reactions as the action unfolds.
Donovan Mitchell wants to be in Cleveland ‘forever’
Donovan Mitchell tells Cleveland fans he wants to stay “forever,” hoping to see his No. 45 jersey hanging in the rafters. After the Cavs traded for him in 2022—sacrificing seven first‑round picks—the franchise secured his future with an extension through the 2029‑30 season, past the final draft pick owed to Utah. Mitchell has averaged 26.7 points and 5.3 assists over four years, earning an All‑Star nod each season and three All‑NBA selections. Cleveland has doubled down on him, adding James Harden and rookie wing Peyton Watson to build a title‑contending roster while Mitchell’s prime remains wide open.
Join us for the 2026-27 Cavs season on the SB Nation app
Fear The Sword reminds readers that the new SB Nation app—available for iOS and Android in North America and rolling out globally—lets Cleveland Cavaliers fans and the broader NBA community comment, post, and join live game‑day chats all in one stream. Highlights include faster‑loading comments, real‑time notifications, and a dedicated game chat that’s already set single‑day commenting records. The app also offers a traditional front‑page view for those who prefer reading articles only. Download now to follow every crossover, alley‑oop, and block with fellow fans.
Cavs add key starter to injury report ahead of season-opener against 76ers
The Cleveland Cavaliers face a thin frontcourt for their season‑opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday after center Jarrett Allen is added to the injury report with right patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee) and listed as questionable. Allen, who averaged 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds last season, joins Nae’Qwan Tomlin (out) and Khalifa Diop (left knee) on the sidelines, leaving Evan Mobley, Peyton Watson, Mario Hezonja and a few two‑way players to fill the gap. Meanwhile, the Sixers also deal with injuries, including Dean Wade (questionable) and absences for Dominick Barlow, Ariel Hukporti and Tacko Fall.
Cavs rank last in local broadcast accessibility report
The Cleveland Cavaliers rank last in Awful Announcing’s 2026‑27 local broadcast accessibility report after cutting ties with cable and moving exclusively to DAZN. Fans must pay $119.99 for the DAZN season (or $139.99 for an ultimate tier) to see 59 streaming‑only games, while another 10 national games land on separate platforms. Only 15 local games are simulcast over‑air, leaving Cavs supporters with higher costs and no cable bundle option—making the team less accessible than any other NBA franchise.
Former Bulls, Knicks head coach visits Cavs’ practice
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson invited former Knicks and Bulls head coach Thom Thibodeau to observe a practice on Oct. 20, seeking defensive insights ahead of what he calls the team’s most pivotal season. Thibodeau, 68, renowned for building elite defenses with Chicago (top‑six rating) and New York, has not been hired by Cleveland, but Atkinson says the club embraces continuous learning. The visit follows a pattern of bringing in veteran consultants, like ex‑Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger, as the Cavs aim to tighten rotations and improve help defense around Jarrett Allen to contend in the East.
Cavaliers make important decision on Jaylon Tyson
The Cleveland Cavaliers exercised the fourth‑year team option on guard Jaylon Tyson, locking him in for the 2027‑28 season at $5.64 million. Tyson, the 20th overall pick in the 2024 draft, surged last year with 13.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists over 66 games, shooting 49.3% from the field and a league‑fourth 44.6% from three. His growth earned praise and mentorship from teammates Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, who see untapped potential. The move signals Cleveland’s confidence in Tyson’s expanding role.
Cavaliers rotation player to miss start of regular season
The Cleveland Cavaliers will open the season on Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers without rotation forward Nae'Qwan Tommar Tomlin, who was diagnosed with a lower‑back stress reaction. The medical team will re‑evaluate him in three to four weeks, but the timeline could shift given the injury’s nature. Tomlin, who posted 5.8 points and 2.9 assists in 15.2 minutes per game last season, leaves the Cavs relying on Mario Hezonja and Thomas Bryant as backup bigs—both considered uncertain options. The loss could hinder Tomlin’s chance to secure a regular role early in the 2026‑27 campaign.
Cavs give injury update on multiple players
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson updates on three players battling injuries ahead of the 2026‑27 season. Guard Sam Merrill was limited in practice but appeared in two of three preseason games and remains the team's primary three‑point threat after Max Strus’s trade. Rookie forward Khalifa Diop, who missed the preseason due to a setback, is recovering and could see significant minutes as a front‑court option. Wing Nae’Qwan Tomlin has not practiced yet and must improve his shooting and defense to earn a full rotation. The Cavs open on the road versus Philadelphia on Thursday, then host Brooklyn at Rocket Arena on Saturday.
Evan Mobley impresses in Cavs annual Wine & Gold scrimmage
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers held their annual Wine & Gold scrimmage in front of season ticket holders at Public Auditorium on Saturday morning. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has mentioned throughout preseason that he was treating this event as the fourth exhibition game, and he was true to his word. The Cavs split into two […]
Cavs fans decide what new addition has impressed them most in preseason
We’ve gotten our first look at the newest members of the Cleveland Cavaliers — Peyton Watson, Mario Hezonja, and Meleek Thomas — in the team’s three preseason games. All three showed how they could help this team going forward. Earlier this week, we asked which of the three has impressed you most in the preseason. […]
Mike Gansey was reportedly key in the James Harden acquisition
The James Harden for Darius Garland swap was one of the more shocking trades of the past few deadlines. It was one of those deals where you assume you’re being ‘centeled’. Once the confusion and initial shock clear, it becomes a question of how and why the Cleveland Cavaliers, and more specifically Cavaliers President of […]
Cavalier superlatives: Meleek Thomas shines in an otherwise disappointing performance vs. Magic
The Cleveland Cavaliers finished their preseason with a whimper, as they fell to the Orlando Magic 132-116 in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score would indicate. Three stars of the game First star: Franz Wagner 20 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds The Magic have skilled pieces, they just don’t fit together. […]
Player Grades: Cavs fall to Magic in preseason finale despite impressive showing from Meleek Thomas
The Cleveland Cavaliers got blown out in their final preseason game 132-116 to the Orlando Magic. All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents that player performing to our expectations for them. James Harden 13 points, 2 assists, 0 rebounds The Cavs struggled to get into any kind […]
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