After two games at the 2024 Las Vegas Summer League, The Cleveland Cavaliers are 1-1. A worrying start, but an impressive showing in game two. The difference between the two games couldn’t be more different so let’s break them down.
2024 Cavs Summer League: A Polarizing Start
This year’s Summer League marked a chance for fringe players, rookies, and G-Leaguers to get a shot with the Cavs specifically at the wing spot. There have been some major positives thus far, leaving the Cleveland front office with some decisions to make. As well as some players have played, Friday’s showing against the Orlando Magic was certainly embarrassing.
Game One – Orlando Magic
With the Cavs returning three players to the starting lineup of their 2023 Summer League roster this year, expectations are quite high for this group. However, from minute one the Magic were head and shoulders better than the Cavs. By halftime, the Cavs were down 21 and getting played off the court. The team never got off the mat as Orlando ran out 106-79 victors in a disappointing first game. Despite the poor team performance, there were some exciting individuals including Cavs first-round pick Jaylon Tyson. In his first game as a Cavs, Tyson recorded 15 points and eight rebounds. He was aggressive on the boards and showed his defensive prowess from the start. Additionally, Emoni Bates showed how good of a scorer he is. The former second-round pick finished with 20 points.
Outside of Bates, the other returning players, Craig Porter Jr. and Pete Nance had games to forget. The two combined for 18 points on 6-for-17 shooting and showed indecisiveness with the ball. Especially Porter, who is expected to play rotational minutes for the Cavs this year looked shaky. However, this is his first organized action since suffering an ankle injury in April and a slow start is expected. It was not the start the team wanted, but still some bright spots despite getting demolished.
Game Two – Milwaukee Bucks
Sunday’s effort was a night and day difference from Friday’s. The Cavs came to play and it showed. Just like what Orlando did to them on Friday, Cleveland did to Milwaukee. By halftime, the Cavs led by a whopping 35 and showed no signs of stopping. Cleveland cruised to a 112-81 victory, securing their first win at this year’s Summer League.
Again, Tyson was the standout as he stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals. It was a well-rounded showing by the whole team who shot 54.5% from the field and forced 25 Bucks turnovers. Tyson and Luke Travers lived in the Milwaukee passing lanes, deflecting everything. Travers missed Friday’s game and his presence was certainly felt on Sunday. He finished the game with 10 points, seven boards, three assists, and two steals. Travers is a candidate for a rotation spot or at least a two-way deal with the team if he continues to impress in Vegas. Outside of those two, Porter Jr. and Bates looked good. Porter led the Cavs with seven assists, while Bates led the team in plus-minus and scored 20 points on 50% shooting. Fan favorite DJ Burns Jr. got some extended minutes as well, where he put up seven points and five rebounds.
A bad start could hurt the Cavs and their hopes of repeating as Summer League champions, however, some impressive showings by fringe players could mean the Cavs’ need for a wing could be in-house.
