Derrick Rose’s 2017-18 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers was a tumultuous one, marked by injuries, personal struggles, and ultimately a trade. Rose’s season began with a serious ankle injury in the second game, which sidelined him for four games. Upon his return, Rose continued to experience pain and eventually took a leave of absence from the team in November 2017 to consider his NBA future. After returning to Cleveland in December, Rose played in nine more games before being traded to the Utah Jazz at the trade deadline. Rose’s time with the Cavaliers was marred by reports of dissatisfaction with his role on the team and allegations that the organization did not fully support his recovery from injury. Despite the challenges, Rose rejuvenated his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 14.2 points and 2.6 assists in the 2018 playoffs and 18.0 points and 4.3 assists during the 2018-19 season.
Results for: Cleveland Cavaliers
Despite a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic, the Cleveland Cavaliers remain focused on improvement as they head to Orlando for Game 3.
Led by Donovan Mitchell, who expressed dissatisfaction despite a strong first quarter, the Cavs have showcased their defensive prowess, holding the Magic to 84.5 points per game and maintaining a rebounding advantage.
However, the Cavs have struggled offensively, ranking 11th in offensive rating and committing numerous turnovers, including nine from Darius Garland and seven from Mitchell.
Despite their current lead, the Cavs recognize the challenge posed by the Magic’s home-court advantage and are determined to maintain their intensity and physicality.
Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is set for Thursday at Kia Center, with the Cavs aiming for a 3-0 lead and their first playoff series win without LeBron James since 2018.
Basketball expert Vaughn Dalzell predicts four series sweeps in the NBA playoffs, including the Nuggets over the Lakers and the Pelicans against the Thunder. Despite a close Game 1, Dalzell believes Oklahoma City’s depth and star power will lead to an easy victory. Additionally, he anticipates a dominant performance by the Boston Celtics over the Heat and a potential sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Orlando Magic.
Despite official statements that Darius Garland is healthy, concerns linger about his lackluster performances in the first two games of the playoffs against the Orlando Magic. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff insists Garland is ready, but questions remain whether he can overcome adversity and play at his best when the Cavs face tougher opponents like the Boston Celtics.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen has adopted a distinctive hairstyle reminiscent of former Cavs legend Anderson Varejao. The new look has drawn attention and comparisons to Varejao’s famous long, flowing locks.
Jeff Shreve has lent his distinctive voice to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Rockers, University of Akron basketball, and football teams, becoming a familiar presence in Northeast Ohio sports for over three decades.
Despite two dominant wins in the first round of the playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers remain cautiously optimistic about their chances against the Orlando Magic. The Magic have the worst defense in the playoffs in the past 10 years, and the Cavs have rediscovered their defensive identity with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley anchoring the paint. However, Orlando’s offense is also struggling, making them a poor matchup for the Cavs. The key for the Magic to stay in the series is for players like Jonathan Isaac and Wendell Carter Jr. to start making shots from outside, or for them to abandon their offensive principles and use more offense-heavy lineups. The Cavs, meanwhile, need to execute their game plan and avoid a letdown in Orlando, where the crowd is expected to be hostile. The health of Jalen Suggs, Orlando’s best perimeter defender, is also a factor, as his absence or limited effectiveness could extend the series.
Denver Nuggets overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 101-99 in Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round series, thanks to Jamal Murray’s clutch step-back jumper at the buzzer. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks rallied back in the final seconds to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 101-99 and take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference series. Donte DiVincenzo’s crucial 3-pointer with 13.1 seconds remaining proved to be the game-winner for the Knicks. In another Eastern Conference matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers cruised to a 103-82 victory over the Orlando Magic, powered by Donovan Mitchell’s 23 points and Jarrett Allen’s 20 rebounds.
Jarrett Allen has been a dominant force for the Cleveland Cavaliers, helping them take a 2-0 lead over the Orlando Magic in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Allen has recorded 37 rebounds in just two games, becoming just the third player in franchise history to record 20+ rebounds in a single playoff game. The Cavaliers will look to continue their success on the road in Game 3 on Thursday, April 25.
The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their lead in the Eastern Conference first-round series to 2-0 after defeating the Orlando Magic 96-86. Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 23 points and 20 rebounds respectively, while Paolo Banchero scored 21 points for the Magic.