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CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Cavaliers’ trade for promising center Jarrett Allen (and Taurean Prince) was made official hours before Friday night’s game against the New York Knicks.
Eventually, Allen will be the long-term member of the team on the inside. But not yet.
This place still belongs to André Drummond, who continued his monstrous start to the 2020-21 season and showed in the 106-103 victory that he was not ready to give it up without a fight. Supported by Drummond’s historic performance, the Cavs returned to their winning streak, breaking a frustrating three-game losing streak despite just nine healthy players.
“You can’t talk enough about what Dre has done and the impact he can have on the game on both sides of the pitch,” said head coach JB Bickerstaff. “He can punish you. I thought he was awesome. When he’s playing with that determination and that strength, there aren’t many people who can stop him 1 on 1.
In the first half, Drummond racked up 20 points and racked up 14 rebounds, becoming the first Cavalier to post those garish numbers in more than 20 years, according to Elias Sports Bureau. Drummond is also the first NBA player since the reign of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to accomplish this feat in any period. The Bucks star did it last March.
In the second half on Friday night, the Knicks began bringing in more doubles, hoping to limit Drummond’s touches. But Drummond was not deterred. He continued to post, intimidating his way into the painting and making his way to the free throw line. On other possessions, he would spray the ball around – the extra attention creating quality looks for teammates. At the other end of the field, Drummond deflected passes, crushed shots and finished his defensive possessions by snatching rebounds.
In the closing seconds, as Drummond punctuated his stellar night by pushing the ball, forcing a roll, and passing the foul line two more times, MVP chants echoed in a nearly empty arena that is only allowed to about 2,000 fans because of COVID-19. health and safety protocols.
The message was clear. Worshipers from the hometown. From Drummond. A reminder that he can still be one of the most dominant centers in the league.
Drummond tied his career high with 33 points on 10 of 18 shots and 13 of 19 off the foul line to go with 23 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. This is his 43rd career 20-20 game, the third most since the ABA-NBA merger. It is the first 30-20 game for a Cavalier since Carlos Boozer in 2004 and only sixth in franchise history. Best statistical point-bounce night in Cleveland since Elmore Smith in 1978.
“I only play with nine guys so there are a lot of things I have to wear,” said Drummond. “Just being in good shape and being in the right place at the right time. Trying to put my team in a position to win and have fun while I’m there.
Cedi Osman, the player who risks losing playing time against Prince, had 25 points, a season-high, with five assists and three rebounds. Each member of Cleveland’s starting lineup hit the double-digit mark, with Larry Nance Jr. adding 14 points and Damyean Dotson and Isaac Okoro contributing 13 each.
Drummond was the star. When general manager Koby Altman spoke to Drummond on Thursday morning about the surprising trade, Altman told him to be the same dominant force from the first few weeks. Altman reassured the two-time All-Star that nothing would change with his role and that the organization was thrilled to have so many high-quality options in a crowded short front – even with much of the speculation centered on an imminent trade. or possibly on Drummond. free departure from the agency depending on the season.
Apparently Drummond heard it loud and clear. As the buzzer sounded and the Cavs began to celebrate, Drummond received a hug from every teammate. The latest has come from Allen, the expected future at the center who will form a deadly 1-2 punch with Drummond for the duration of his tenure at Cleveland.
Who knows how long this will last. Friday night showed why the front office led by Altman shouldn’t be in a rush.
KPJ observation
A day after training at the Cleveland Clinic Courts, promising sophomore swingman Kevin Porter Jr. was cleared to join his teammates on the bench on Friday night. Porter is yet to play this season after a troubling few months that included an arrest in November. Porter’s presence on the team for the past two days was part of the organization’s reintegration plan.
Not ready yet
Even though the Cavs’ share of Wednesday’s trade for Allen and Prince was made official, neither player was available for reasons beyond their control. Bickerstaff said ahead of the game that one of several players from a different team was still waiting to be cleared for a physical exam following the massive deal that sent James Harden from Houston to Brooklyn. Allen and Prince watched the game from the bench, cheering on their new teammates.
next
After announcing on Friday that a pair of games against Washington had been postponed due to the Wizards’ COVID-19 issues, the Cavs will have a few days off. Their next game is Wednesday night at home against the Brooklyn Nets. The tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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New Cavs Face Masks For Sale: Here’s where you can purchase Cleveland Cavaliers-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All NBA profits have been donated to charity.
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