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Another national TV game produced another blow out as the Cleveland Cavaliers hit 23 of their first 26 shots on the way to an easy 128-96 win. Kyrie Irving led the way with 26 points and LeBron James notched a triple double with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists.
To the tape!
High
It’s slim pickings to muster up a High or two but we’ll give it a try.
Even as a not-so-in-the-closet LeBron James fan, the above Marcus Morris tackle is perfectly acceptable. It’s a good play and really, the only play Morris could make.
What not to do:
If you commit to fouling James, you can’t let him get a shot off.
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Strong take by Mook, no settling for the jump shot.
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It was a game to forget for Stanley Johnson but this was a nice dump off:
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Not a horrible job of defending James by Aron Baynes:
In this game, it qualifies as a highlight.
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Low
Ish Smith got abused on the defensive end:
First, somehow he manages to go over and under the same screen.
Second, a lack of communication with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Third, Irving uses the back door.
Fourth, bites on the pump fake.
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Iman Shumpert found little resistance in the Pistons PNR defense:
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Ugly turnovers:
Stanley’s pass is a candidate for Mophattin’ a Fool.
Ish Smith and Tobais Harris built a nice chemistry and have connected on the drop pass before but Reggie Jackson and Harris fail to do the same.
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It’s good to force the turnover but KCP must finish and collect the “and one”.
Those are easy points and J.R. Smith’s wrist slap shouldn’t stop it from happening.
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All the night the Pistons had trouble navigating through screens:
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Larry Sanders - who hasn’t played meaningful basketball in years - even got some run.
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Doesn’t get any easier as Utah pays a trip to the Palace for a tough back-to-back.