2025 Playoffs Round 1: Cavs (1) / Heat (8) (4-0)

[ijspeelman]

May be a match-up thing, but seems like Wade is the guy that is gonna be a flex in this series. Only logged about 5 mins of real game time

[JujitsuFlip]

May be a match-up thing, but seems like Wade is the guy that is gonna be a flex in this series. Only logged about 5 mins of real game time

Like i commented before the playoffs, he's locked into that 10th rotation spot.

It may be matchup dependent but after he got hurt and lost his starting gig + acquiring Hunter, Wade only averaged 18 mpg.

We knew roles and rotation would shrink in the playoffs but kudos to Kenny for still finding a way to keep minutes in check, our high minute guy tonight was Mitchell at 33:19.

[toooskies]

Shoutout Garland with 27 and Mitchell with 30

Allen and Mobley were all over the place on defense

Didn't love that Hunter couldn't going at all and Okoro didn't hit his gimme threes

Hunter has been a 1-on-1 player for the Cavs and you can’t really do that against a zone.

[jbk1234]

I want Okoro to be successful, but I'm at the point where I'm skeptical that it's ever going to happen.

[mcfly1204]

I want Okoro to be successful, but I'm at the point where I'm skeptical that it's ever going to happen.

I'm on the fence with Okoro as well. That said, with the current matchup, and Miami lacking long, dynamic wings, I am okay with Okoro getting some additional burn to potentially help build up his confidence a bit. If Okoro were to keep throwing up bricks, I would not be surprised to see Wade, and even Merrill to an extent, eating up his minutes in future series.

[JujitsuFlip]

I want Okoro to be successful, but I'm at the point where I'm skeptical that it's ever going to happen.

Those wide open bricks were giving me flashbacks to the last 3 post seasons lol thankfully it is no longer a staple of our offense.

[toooskies]

I want Okoro to be successful, but I'm at the point where I'm skeptical that it's ever going to happen.

Those wide open bricks were giving me flashbacks to the last 3 post seasons lol thankfully it is no longer a staple of our offense.

Sometimes missed shots are just missed shots. He took them in rhythm and aside from the super-high-arc shot he took that was contested, they mostly looked reasonable. Okoro was still a +5 on the night and his defense has value in mucking up the other team's offense.

I'm 100% out on the Max Strus flying sideways in the corner 3-point shot. I'd rather take the 5-second or shot clock violation and set the defense.

[jbk1234]

I want Okoro to be successful, but I'm at the point where I'm skeptical that it's ever going to happen.

Those wide open bricks were giving me flashbacks to the last 3 post seasons lol thankfully it is no longer a staple of our offense.

Sometimes missed shots are just missed shots. He took them in rhythm and aside from the super-high-arc shot he took that was contested, they mostly looked reasonable. Okoro was still a +5 on the night and his defense has value in mucking up the other team's offense.

I'm 100% out on the Max Strus flying sideways in the corner 3-point shot. I'd rather take the 5-second or shot clock violation and set the defense.

The other team still leaves Okoro unguarded and on those nights where all of Mitchell, Garland, and Ty aren't all cooking, it's going to matter. Being +5 in a game we won by 21 isn't all that impressive. Strus was + 18.

[JonFromVA]

I want Okoro to be successful, but I'm at the point where I'm skeptical that it's ever going to happen.

I thought Isaac was impactful on D, but obviously he and DeAndre need to settle down and make their shots especially at home.

Sam has been stepping up on D (Kenny has been pointing it out). The more Sam and Ty can hold their own on D the less we'll see of others at least until we face an opponent with better wings and guards.

Because of all the buy in Kenny has achieved this season he has plenty of options he can freely switch through to find the right combo and they're actually used to playing together. JBB really coached himself in to corners in the playoffs and his adjustments seemed like Hail Mary's.

[JujitsuFlip]

I want Okoro to be successful, but I'm at the point where I'm skeptical that it's ever going to happen.

Those wide open bricks were giving me flashbacks to the last 3 post seasons lol thankfully it is no longer a staple of our offense.

Sometimes missed shots are just missed shots. He took them in rhythm and aside from the super-high-arc shot he took that was contested, they mostly looked reasonable. Okoro was still a +5 on the night and his defense has value in mucking up the other team's offense.

I'm 100% out on the Max Strus flying sideways in the corner 3-point shot. I'd rather take the 5-second or shot clock violation and set the defense.

I'm cool with Strus shooting whatever, it is why he is here and why he starts, no fear.

Idc Okoro missed all 4 wide open three pointers, dudes shoulder is wrecked. I am just thankful that our playoff destiny no longer hinges on him making those. The guy could be out of the rotation all together, in later rounds. He is the 9th man in our playoff rotation.

[toooskies]

Those wide open bricks were giving me flashbacks to the last 3 post seasons lol thankfully it is no longer a staple of our offense.

Sometimes missed shots are just missed shots. He took them in rhythm and aside from the super-high-arc shot he took that was contested, they mostly looked reasonable. Okoro was still a +5 on the night and his defense has value in mucking up the other team's offense.

I'm 100% out on the Max Strus flying sideways in the corner 3-point shot. I'd rather take the 5-second or shot clock violation and set the defense.

The other team still leaves Okoro unguarded and on those nights where all of Mitchell, Garland, and Ty aren't all cooking, it's going to matter. Being +5 in a game we won by 21 isn't all that impressive. Strus was + 18.

He's not going to go 0/4 every night.

+5 in less than 13 minutes is a +19 over 48 minutes. I'm fine if Okoro misses shots and still produces that outcome, because he won't miss every shot every night. They were good opportunities that just didn't go in, which is how basketball goes.

[jbk1234]

Sometimes missed shots are just missed shots. He took them in rhythm and aside from the super-high-arc shot he took that was contested, they mostly looked reasonable. Okoro was still a +5 on the night and his defense has value in mucking up the other team's offense.

I'm 100% out on the Max Strus flying sideways in the corner 3-point shot. I'd rather take the 5-second or shot clock violation and set the defense.

The other team still leaves Okoro unguarded and on those nights where all of Mitchell, Garland, and Ty aren't all cooking, it's going to matter. Being +5 in a game we won by 21 isn't all that impressive. Strus was + 18.

He's not going to go 0/4 every night.

+5 in less than 13 minutes is a +19 over 48 minutes. I'm fine if Okoro misses shots and still produces that outcome, because he won't miss every shot every night. They were good opportunities that just didn't go in, which is how basketball goes.

I can't remember the last time someone on our roster played 48 minutes. Also, there's a difference between being physically present on the court for a 5 point run, and being responsible for it, especially when the end result is +5 over 13 minutes. If Ty doesn't shoot lights out, those empty possessions could've mattered.

[Eightnineborn]

Just wanted to say Donovan is a bonafide baller. Shots werent going in but god damn, one sick move after another, that left hand other side of basket double clutch up and under was sick. He is a true two way player when he puts his mind to it. His attitude was just awesome, as a leader. Thats what we need.

Also there was an alleyoop opportunity where it went to Merrill instead but he hit it so forgiven, Issac.

[toooskies]

The other team still leaves Okoro unguarded and on those nights where all of Mitchell, Garland, and Ty aren't all cooking, it's going to matter. Being +5 in a game we won by 21 isn't all that impressive. Strus was + 18.

He's not going to go 0/4 every night.

+5 in less than 13 minutes is a +19 over 48 minutes. I'm fine if Okoro misses shots and still produces that outcome, because he won't miss every shot every night. They were good opportunities that just didn't go in, which is how basketball goes.

I can't remember the last time someone on our roster played 48 minutes. Also, there's a difference between being physically present on the court for a 5 point run, and being responsible for it, especially when the end result is +5 over 13 minutes. If Ty doesn't shoot lights out, those empty possessions could've mattered.

The point was that his minutes were on pace with the rest of the team for the game despite his misses. No dragging effect on the team. Despite his misses, no giant red flags with spacing affecting the whole offense.

[JonFromVA]

He's not going to go 0/4 every night.

+5 in less than 13 minutes is a +19 over 48 minutes. I'm fine if Okoro misses shots and still produces that outcome, because he won't miss every shot every night. They were good opportunities that just didn't go in, which is how basketball goes.

I can't remember the last time someone on our roster played 48 minutes. Also, there's a difference between being physically present on the court for a 5 point run, and being responsible for it, especially when the end result is +5 over 13 minutes. If Ty doesn't shoot lights out, those empty possessions could've mattered.

The point was that his minutes were on pace with the rest of the team for the game despite his misses. No dragging effect on the team. Despite his misses, no giant red flags with spacing affecting the whole offense.

jbk1234 just doesn't like Isaac even after how much better he's played under Kenny and how good his shooting has been when he's been healthy.

Fortunately Kenny isn't going to let his game plan come down to whether any given player can knock down his wide open 3pt shots no matter whether that's Isaac or Don or DeAndre; we have options and depth, and our offensive players have enough energy in the tank to give effort on defense.

We're still a relatively inexperienced playoff team, but I thought we showed a lot of composure in this first one. It certainly helped that Don came out determined to attack and get us going.

[jbk1234]

I can't remember the last time someone on our roster played 48 minutes. Also, there's a difference between being physically present on the court for a 5 point run, and being responsible for it, especially when the end result is +5 over 13 minutes. If Ty doesn't shoot lights out, those empty possessions could've mattered.

The point was that his minutes were on pace with the rest of the team for the game despite his misses. No dragging effect on the team. Despite his misses, no giant red flags with spacing affecting the whole offense.

jbk1234 just doesn't like Isaac even after how much better he's played under Kenny and how good his shooting has been when he's been healthy.

Fortunately Kenny isn't going to let his game plan come down to whether any given player can knock down his wide open 3pt shots no matter whether that's Isaac or Don or DeAndre; we have options and depth, and our offensive players have enough energy in the tank to give effort on defense.

We're still a relatively inexperienced playoff team, but I thought we showed a lot of composure in this first one. It certainly helped that Don came out determined to attack and get us going.

I like Isaac the person. I'm pleased he's stopped leaking out before we've secured the defensive rebound. I acknowledge that he's improved offensively during each of his regular seasons.

That said, it's important to acknowledge where his starting point was on that end when we had to trade for LeVert because we couldn't break a half court trap on Garland with Okoro as our starting two. The reality is that the Cavs are a soon-to-be 2nd-apron playoff team and having to play 4 on 5 in the postseason limits his value. Like last post season, he's not going to be on the floor with Allen and Mobley so it's not like we can blame playing two bigs as the primary cuplrit for spacing problems.

Our opponents are going to ignore him on the perimeter and pinch into the paint until he punishes them for doing so. If Okoro being on the floor forces us to play Hunter strictly at the 4, and/or limits our ability to put Wade out there, the costs are going to be more pronounced when we face a team who has better offensive weapons than Herro and Bam.

[toooskies]

The point was that his minutes were on pace with the rest of the team for the game despite his misses. No dragging effect on the team. Despite his misses, no giant red flags with spacing affecting the whole offense.

jbk1234 just doesn't like Isaac even after how much better he's played under Kenny and how good his shooting has been when he's been healthy.

Fortunately Kenny isn't going to let his game plan come down to whether any given player can knock down his wide open 3pt shots no matter whether that's Isaac or Don or DeAndre; we have options and depth, and our offensive players have enough energy in the tank to give effort on defense.

We're still a relatively inexperienced playoff team, but I thought we showed a lot of composure in this first one. It certainly helped that Don came out determined to attack and get us going.

I like Isaac the person. I'm pleased he's stopped leaking out before we've secured the defensive rebound. I acknowledge that he's improved offensively during each of his regular seasons.

That said, it's important to acknowledge where his starting point was on that end when we had to trade for LeVert because we couldn't break a half court trap on Garland with Okoro as our starting two. The reality is that the Cavs are a soon-to-be 2nd-apron playoff team and having to play 4 on 5 in the postseason limits his value. Like last post season, he's not going to be on the floor with Allen and Mobley so it's not like we can blame playing two bigs as the primary cuplrit for spacing problems.

Our opponents are going to ignore him on the perimeter and pinch into the paint until he punishes them for doing so. If Okoro being on the floor forces us to play Hunter strictly at the 4, and/or limits our ability to put Wade out there, the costs are going to be more pronounced when we face a team who has better offensive weapons than Herro and Bam.

Okoro has more gravity going 0/4 in 13 minutes than Wade does going 0/0 in 7. Pretty sure I heard on a podcast a few weeks back (Chasedown?) that Okoro's shooting gravity this year is stronger than Wade's.

[jbk1234]

jbk1234 just doesn't like Isaac even after how much better he's played under Kenny and how good his shooting has been when he's been healthy.

Fortunately Kenny isn't going to let his game plan come down to whether any given player can knock down his wide open 3pt shots no matter whether that's Isaac or Don or DeAndre; we have options and depth, and our offensive players have enough energy in the tank to give effort on defense.

We're still a relatively inexperienced playoff team, but I thought we showed a lot of composure in this first one. It certainly helped that Don came out determined to attack and get us going.

I like Isaac the person. I'm pleased he's stopped leaking out before we've secured the defensive rebound. I acknowledge that he's improved offensively during each of his regular seasons.

That said, it's important to acknowledge where his starting point was on that end when we had to trade for LeVert because we couldn't break a half court trap on Garland with Okoro as our starting two. The reality is that the Cavs are a soon-to-be 2nd-apron playoff team and having to play 4 on 5 in the postseason limits his value. Like last post season, he's not going to be on the floor with Allen and Mobley so it's not like we can blame playing two bigs as the primary cuplrit for spacing problems.

Our opponents are going to ignore him on the perimeter and pinch into the paint until he punishes them for doing so. If Okoro being on the floor forces us to play Hunter strictly at the 4, and/or limits our ability to put Wade out there, the costs are going to be more pronounced when we face a team who has better offensive weapons than Herro and Bam.

Okoro has more gravity going 0/4 in 13 minutes than Wade does going 0/0 in 7. Pretty sure I heard on a podcast a few weeks back (Chasedown?) that Okoro's shooting gravity this year is stronger than Wade's.

They must be measuring with a micrometer, but it doesn't really matter because regular season gravity is irrelevant when they're both ignored in the playoffs. Also, Wade is a 4 or even a 5 when we go small ball, and they're asked to do different things on both ends.

[JonFromVA]

I like Isaac the person. I'm pleased he's stopped leaking out before we've secured the defensive rebound. I acknowledge that he's improved offensively during each of his regular seasons.

That said, it's important to acknowledge where his starting point was on that end when we had to trade for LeVert because we couldn't break a half court trap on Garland with Okoro as our starting two. The reality is that the Cavs are a soon-to-be 2nd-apron playoff team and having to play 4 on 5 in the postseason limits his value. Like last post season, he's not going to be on the floor with Allen and Mobley so it's not like we can blame playing two bigs as the primary cuplrit for spacing problems.

Our opponents are going to ignore him on the perimeter and pinch into the paint until he punishes them for doing so. If Okoro being on the floor forces us to play Hunter strictly at the 4, and/or limits our ability to put Wade out there, the costs are going to be more pronounced when we face a team who has better offensive weapons than Herro and Bam.

Okoro has more gravity going 0/4 in 13 minutes than Wade does going 0/0 in 7. Pretty sure I heard on a podcast a few weeks back (Chasedown?) that Okoro's shooting gravity this year is stronger than Wade's.

They must be measuring with a micrometer, but it doesn't really matter because regular season gravity is irrelevant when they're both ignored in the playoffs. Also, Wade is a 4 or even a 5 when we go small ball, and they're asked to do different things on both ends.

I'd argue it's all irrelevant. Smart opponents are always going to adapt to what's happening on the floor and if they decide to leave Isaac open because he's bricking shots, well, he's no longer glued to that spot like he was under Bickerstaff. He can cut through the blindspot and go for a dunk, or go set a screen, or probably a dozen other things in the playbook or that can be added now that we have a coaching staff capable of thinking on-the-fly.

I'd also add that up until this season Isaac wasn't the only player who would turn the ball over when pressed: Garland and Mitchell in fact are sometimes still guilty of it, but it's gotten better and they are much much better ball handlers in general.

And if we really want to dial back to '21/'22 where do we think Isaac actually was on our PG depth chart? It's not his fault that Rubio and Sexton both got injured and Kevin Pangos wasn't an NBA player.

[jbk1234]

Okoro has more gravity going 0/4 in 13 minutes than Wade does going 0/0 in 7. Pretty sure I heard on a podcast a few weeks back (Chasedown?) that Okoro's shooting gravity this year is stronger than Wade's.

They must be measuring with a micrometer, but it doesn't really matter because regular season gravity is irrelevant when they're both ignored in the playoffs. Also, Wade is a 4 or even a 5 when we go small ball, and they're asked to do different things on both ends.

I'd argue it's all irrelevant. Smart opponents are always going to adapt to what's happening on the floor and if they decide to leave Isaac open because he's bricking shots, well, he's no longer glued to that spot like he was under Bickerstaff. He can cut through the blindspot and go for a dunk, or go set a screen, or probably a dozen other things in the playbook or that can be added now that we have a coaching staff capable of thinking on-the-fly.

I'd also add that up until this season Isaac wasn't the only player who would turn the ball over when pressed: Garland and Mitchell in fact are sometimes still guilty of it, but it's gotten better and they are much much better ball handlers in general.

And if we really want to dial back to '21/'22 where do we think Isaac actually was on our PG depth chart? It's not his fault that Rubio and Sexton both got injured and Kevin Pangos wasn't an NBA player.

Please go back and watch the tape as far as what Okoro did that year when Garland got trapped or doubled. In this, his fourth year in the NBA, he finally feels comfortable dribbling the ball while be guarded.