The Cleveland Cavaliers ended their 2023 NBA preseason schedule with a record of 1-3.
They split their games against Maccabi Ra’anana and the Indiana Pacers after starting their run with an 0-2 record. Cleveland went 1-3 in its 2022-23 preseason games, but would end the year with a 51-31 regular-season record and their first trip to the postseason since 2018. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors finished their 2023-24 preseason schedules with a 5-0 and 4-0 record, respectively.
The Cavs completed its 2023-24 preseason lineup with a 109-104 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Guard Donovan Mitchell led the team with 28 points as he hit 11 of his 21 attempts from the field. Forward Georges Niang would add 11 points and four rebounds during his 25 minutes off the bench.
What are some of the biggest takeaways from Cleveland’s run in the 2023-24 NBA preseason?
Cavs continue to refine spacing in a faster-paced offense
It didn’t take long for Cleveland to embrace a high-pace, motion offense during the NBA preseason.
The Cavs attempted 48 3-point shots during their first preseason matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Nine Cavaliers attempted four 3-pointers or more, including the eight shot from Cavs guard Sam Merrill. The Cavs would gradually try fewer long-range shots as their preseason games went on. They shot 44 against Orlando, 40 against Maccabi Ra’anana and 35 against the Pacers.
Cleveland’s average of 41.8 3-point attempts per game put them one spot behind the Milwaukee Bucks for eighth place among preseason squads. The Cavs took 12th place in pace, or “the number of possessions per 48 minutes for a team or player,” with 105.38, according to NBA.com.
“You want to play the way that your personnel dictates,” Merrill said during an October media availability. “We certainly have a lot more shooters. Not only that, but a lot of really good passers as well. Not just Darius and Donovan, but Evan’s a really good passer. Georges and Max and Ty and Caris are just good passers as far as making the next right play.
“I don’t know how many we’re going to average and whatnot, but I think the mindset of making the right play, finding the open man and being confident is going to really help us.”
Evan Mobley showing increased confidence from all across the floor
Just as guard Darius Garland had before the start of last season, Cavs forward Evan Mobley set lofty aspirations for himself during Cleveland’s media day earlier this month.
“Among #Cavs Evan Mobley’s individual goals this season: Make the All-Star team and win Defensive Player of the Year,” Cleveland.com Cavs reporter Chris Fedor wrote in an October tweet. “He said he is ready to ‘take off’ this coming season.”
Mobley showed he could be ready for a giant leap as he took to the floor during Cleveland’s loss to Indiana last Friday. He scored the Cavs first two points of the night off of a five-foot hook shot against Pacers center Myles Turner. The former USC forward would end the night with 18 points, eight rebounds, two steals and one block. He highlighted his night with an alley-oop dunk off an assist from Cavs forward Max Strus in the first quarter.
“Yeah, for sure,” Mobley said when asked if he was ready for a regular-season game during an October practice. “I feel real confident in our team, what we’ve been doing in training camp and leading up to now.
“I’m definitely excited and ready to go.”
Cavs two-way players flashing signs of potential
Cleveland’s two-way players had plenty of time to show out during the Cavs’ win over Maccabi Ra’anana.
Forward Emoni Bates garnered 16 points and hit 50% of his tries from the field in 23 minutes of play. Forward Isaiah Mobley added 10 points, six rebounds, one steal and three blocks. Guard Craig Porter Jr. scored 12 points and dished six assists. Bates, the No. 49 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, finished the preseason with averages of 10.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. He hit 50% of his attempts from the floor and 45.5% of his tries from the 3-point line.
“We are extremely fortunate that Emoni was there at (No. 49),” Bickerstaff said, via a Monday video from the Cavaliers. “I believe that Emoni is fortunate to be here also because I think the pairing works. I think for his development, his advancement over his career, being here works.
“But I also believe like if Emoni would have gone in the lottery, he’d have been the type of player who’d have been in the Rookie of the Year conversation. But, again, we are extremely fortunate that he’s here with us. I look forward to working with him for a long time.”