Well that went well.In a recent installment of “By the Numbers,” we saw that the Cavaliers haven’t exactly fared well in season openers over the years. Before Tuesday’s 94-84 win over Washington, the franchise was 12-31 all-time.
But Tuesday’s victory was the second all-out opening night celebration in the past three years. (Two years ago, in the wake of LeBron’s departure, Cleveland dropped the Eastern Conference Champion Celtics, 95-87, after trailing by double-digits in the third quarter.)
If the Kid Cavaliers were looking to get off to a good start, they did that and more against the Wiz.
Granted, Randy Wittman’s squad was without John Wall, Nene and Kevin Seraphin. But the Wine and Gold were sharp and focused on Tuesday and it might not have mattered.
Some observations from the Opener …
Tristan Under the Radar – Anderson Varejao’s massive night drew most of the attention – and rightfully so. But his partner in the frontcourt had a pretty big night of his own.
Thompson was the top volume rebounder among rookies last year and he picked up right where he left off, doubling-up in the season opener with 12 points and 10 boards. Most surprising, of course, were his five assists. (After tallying just 27 all of last year.)
“It’s great when bigs can pass out of the post – you’re more deadly,” said Thompson. “Shaq was one of the best at it. So, whenever you’re able to get other guys involved – especially being on the block, where you attract so many people – kick it out to jump-shooters. They make shots and make it easy on you.”
Thompson benefitted big time from having to start at center through the final two months of his freshman season. In 26 starts, the former Longhorn has now logged 10 double-doubles.
He was the team’s hardest worker over the summer, spending most of it at the Cleveland Clinic Courts. He put on 10-15 pounds of muscle in the offseason and he brings some solid game experience into his second year. He’s back at his natural position at the 4 nd he’ll benefit big-time from playing across from Andy.
Dion Waiters, Silencer– Before ever playing a game for Cleveland, Waiters had become one of the most highly-scrutinized draftees in recent Cavalier history. And, at least for a night and two days before Chicago rolls in, he quieted his critics.
The 20-year-old rookie from Syracuse showed off his scoring arsenal on Tuesday night. He scored on a soaring dunk early in the game and his three-pointer in the fourth – leading to a four-point play that stemmed Washington’s momentum – showed fans why Chris Grant tabbed the athletic combo guard at No. 4 overall. (One pick after Washington’s Bradley Beal, who was held to just eight points in his debut.)
On the night, Waiters was 6-for-14 from the floor, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. He led the Cavs with three steals but didn’t turn in a single assist on a night where the starting center and power forward combined for 14. He grabbed just two boards, but the second was huge – with the Cavs clinging to a four-point lead with 3:06 remaining.
The South Philly native also brings an edge to a team that had been lacking it. I asked him if he was thumping his chest at the fans or the Washington bench after a nasty second-half dunk. Without the hesitation most rookies might have answering that, Waiters was almost insulted by the question. “Their bench, man,” he grinned.
Reserve Judgment– On Tuesday night, Omri Casspi, Jon Leuer and Samardo Samuels got DNP-CDs and Luke Walton saw 12 minutes of action. How many of you had that one?
Coach Scott was asked about going with Walton following the win.
“With (Walton) in the second unit, they run the offense better,” said Scott. “He’s a veteran guy who understands how to play, he’s got great experience. He’s a leader out there for that second unit and they have a lot of respect for Luke.”
Aside from Boobie Gibson, the second unit didn’t shoot the ball well. (Gibson was 3-of-5 from the floor, 2-of-4 from beyond the arc.) But Scott’s reserves did play solid ball until Washington’s early fourth quarter run.
Young Guns– The Cavaliers don’t have a true superstar – (although Kyrie’s knocking at the door) – and will have to bring the kind of energy they did on Tuesday all year. (Easier said than done when they’re in the midst of a midseason three-games-in-four-days stretch.)
In the opener, the average age of the Cavaliers starters was 23.7 years of age. (The roster’s average is only 24.9.) The guy who wrecks the curve is 30-year-old Anderson Varejao – and you’d be hard-pressed to find a player who brings the youthful energy that Andy does.
At varying points this season, the Cavaliers youth will giveth and will taketh away. On Tuesday, it was the latter.
Big Stage Player – In an interview with Irving this offseason, he admitted that he got nervous performing on stage in a production of “High School Musical.” On the basketball court, he’s never nervous – and it shows. Whether it’s All-Star Weekend or the home opener, the kid doesn’t shy from the spotlight.
You know the Cavaliers had a great night when Kyrie can score 29 points without that being the lead story.
Irving was 11-for-20 from the field, 3-of-6 from long distance, with six boards, three assists and a blocked shot. More importantly, he guided the Cavaliers home when the Wizards made their fourth-quarter push, taking a two-point lead after trailing the entire night.
Byron Scott praised his young point guard after the win.
“I told Kyrie at the eight-minute mark that we have two time outs left, and he patted me on the leg and said, ‘Don’t worry about it coach, I got it.’ He basically kind of took over from that point on and that was really good to see.”
He’s hands-down the team’s leader. And he doesn’t turn 21 until March 23.
Odds and Ends: Great to see so many Browns at the opener last night. Loved that Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson sat together and the ovation each received from the fans … The new pregame open featuring Cleveland’s own Machine Gun Kelly was fantastic. Kelly, wearing the new gold Cavs jersey – No. XX – with his trademark tattoos exposed watched the fourth quarter on the baseline with Browns DT Phil Taylor … Kelly and Taylor sat a few seats down from Dan Gilbert and his ownership partners – Nate Forbes and Jeff Cohen – all nattily-attired in matching wine sport coats with embroidered C-swords … Speaking of the gold uniforms, what did you think? I thought they were vibrant and bold and hope the NBA eventually allows the Cavs to wear that for all home games. Right now, the Lakers are the only team that wears gold (almost) exclusively at home.