NBA News and Notes: Cavs Rolling of Late

All Three Rookies Playing Great Ball

Not many teams in the league have three rookies on their active roster at all times. And even fewer would have them in the rotation. How many clubs have three of them playing minutes pretty regularly during a four-game win streak? Just one. The Cavs. And they all bring something different to the table.

Even before his winner dunk against Atlanta, Lamar Stevens was playing well. He has energized the team on the defensive end while also working on perfecting his midrange jumper. Dylan Windler had a two-game stretch last week where he went 9-9 from three. How many rookies in the league can say they’ve done that? And Isaac Okoro set career-highs of 15 points and eight rebounds against the 76ers, one of the best in the NBA. 

All of these guys have continued to do good things with the ball in their hands and also freeing up teammates with screens. None of them will end up in the Rookie of the Year discussion, but cases can be made for All-Rookie selections for Windler and Okoro. Also, it’s a travesty that nobody drafted Lamar.

Collin Sexton Put on a Show Against Houston

When Collin Sexton scored 42 points against the Nets in a 2OT win, everybody took notice. He personally dismantled a team that had three of the top 15 players in the NBA by just making shot after shot. He had not scored more than 29 in a game since that happened until going off on the 76ers on Saturday night.

Sexton was balling from the minute the ball was in play. He hit 12 of 20 shots and got to the FT line a career-high 15 times, going 11-15 there. He dished out eight assists, which ties his highest total from the past month (Denver on Feb. 10), and continued to make the smart reads. In all, Collin poured in 39 points, the third-highest scoring game of his NBA career.

He is continuing to grow as a player, and he and Darius Garland will be a feared tandem for many years.

Jarrett Allen Looking Elite

Only one center in Cavaliers HISTORY has had 23+ points, 18+ rebounds, and 5+ blocks in a game. And he’s done it twice. His name is Jarrett Allen, and he’s been incredible since coming to Cleveland. Moreso since Andre Drummond was benched and he took over the starting role for himself. 

Allen has recorded a double-double in eight straight games, including three 20-10 efforts. He has blocked multiple shots in four of the eight games. And he’s scoring with terrific efficiency. He is the player the Cavs have needed but just didn’t realize it. He’s going to be putting in big performances for a number of years in the land.