CLEVELAND, Ohio – The exchange of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the promising Jarrett Allen (and Taurean Prince) was made official hours before the match against the New York Knicks on Friday night.
Eventually Allen will be the long-term fixture on the team. But not yet.
This place still belongs to Andre Drummond, who continued his monstrous start in the 2020-21 season and showed during the 106-103 victory that he is not willing to give up without a fight. Spurred on by Drummond’s historic performance, Cavs returned to their victories, breaking a frustrating three-game skid, despite having only nine healthy players.
“You can’t talk enough about what Dre did and the impact he can have on the game at both ends of the court,” said coach JB Bickerstaff. “He can punish you. I thought he was incredible. When he plays with that determination and that strength, not many people can stop him face to face. “
In the first half, Drummond scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, becoming the first Cavalier to post these flashy numbers in more than 20 years, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Drummond is also the first NBA player since MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo’s two-time reign to accomplish this feat at any time. The Bucks star did this last March.
During the second half of Friday night, the Knicks started bringing in more doubles, hoping to limit Drummond’s touches. But Drummond was not deterred. He continued to post, forcing his way into the painting and making his way to the free-throw line. In other possessions, he threw the ball around – the added attention creating quality looks for teammates. On the other side of the court, Drummond deflected passes, hit shots and finished off defensive possessions with rebounds.
In the final seconds, while Drummond punctuated his stellar night by pushing the ball away, forcing a turn and stepping on the foul line two more times, MVP’s cheers echoed through an almost empty arena that is only allowed by about 2,000 fans because of the COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
The message was clear. From the faithful of the hometown. Drummond. A reminder that it may still be one of the most dominant centers in the league.
Drummond tied his high point in his career with 33 points out of 10 out of 18 shots and 13 out of 19 on the foul line to go with 23 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. It is his 43rd game of his 20-20 career, the third since the ABA-NBA merger. It is the first 30-20 game for a Cavalier since Carlos Boozer in 2004 and only the sixth in the franchise’s history. The best night of rebounding statistical points in Cleveland since Elmore Smith in 1978.
“I’m only playing with nine guys, so I have a lot to carry,” said Drummond. “Just being in good shape and in the right place at the right time. Try to put my team in a winning situation and have fun while I’m there. “
Cedi Osman, the player who is at risk of losing playing time for Prince, added 25 points, the best of the season, with five assists and three rebounds. Each member of Cleveland’s starting team 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 in the first few weeks. Altman assured 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 messy court – even with much of the speculation centered on an imminent Drummond deal or eventual agency departure. free after the season.
Drummond apparently heard him loud and clear. When the doorbell rang and the Cavs began to celebrate, Drummond received a hug from each teammate. The latter came from Allen, the anticipated future at the center, who will form a 1-2 lethal blow to Drummond during his tenure in Cleveland.
Who knows how long this will take. Friday night showed why the board led by Altman should not be in a hurry.
KPJ sighting
The day after attending the practice at the Cleveland Clinic Courts, promising sophomore swingman Kevin Porter Jr. was allowed to join his teammates on the bench Friday night. Porter has yet to play this season after a few worrying months that included a November arrest. Porter’s presence on the team for the past two days was part of the organization’s reintegration plan.
It is not ready yet
Even though the Cavs’ part of Wednesday’s exchange for Allen and Prince was made official, none of the players were available for reasons beyond their control. Bickerstaff said before the game that one of the many players on a different team was still waiting to be released for a physical exam after the big deal that sent James Harden from Houston to Brooklyn. Allen and Prince watched the bank game, rooting for their new teammates.
Next
After it was announced on Friday that two games against Washington were postponed because of problems with the Wizards’ COVID-19, the Cavs will have a few days off. The next game is on Wednesday night at home against the Brooklyn Nets. Delivery is scheduled for 19h
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New Cavs face masks for sale: This is where you can buy Cleveland Cavaliers-themed facial covers for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a pack of 3 ($ 24.99). All NBA proceeds donated to charities.
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