This is the BIGGEST TAKEAWAY from the Cleveland Cavaliers preseason opener against Chicago

This is the BIGGEST TAKEAWAY from the Cleveland Cavaliers preseason opener against Chicago

Guys, we got about 5 minutes before Eric Metcalfe joins us. So you want to talk Cavs for 2 minutes? I have a preseason game. Uh, before we do that, a reminder that this weekend, live postgame show at Sweet Pork Wilson’s. So make sure you guys come out, hang out with us. It’s gonna be good food. Gonna be good. Hopefully it’s a win for the Cleveland Browns or we will have our show live on at Sweet Pork Wilson’s. Come with us to see you guys there. — Where’s
— that’s
— right 17th and Madison. — Madison
— right my crib, man. — It’s
— 7. — It’s from the RTA station and we encourage
— people to show up, right? Yeah, come, come hang us pack out. Uh, so the Cavs last night preseason opener, they ended up losing 118, 117, but there were some positives to take away from it. But I know you were locked in. What do you think of Craig Porter going 5 of 5 from 3. And Tyrese Proctor going 3 for 4 from 3 in their first NBA actions. — That
— was big. I thought he made some nice moves, you know, Somare Pine was defending him very well. And uh I’ll tell you what, Ken Herbeck came up, you could walk us through these highlights. I mean, what he had on the defense, uh, I think who’s, it was the Bulls, right? They were playing. Did you watch one second of it? Uh, yeah, I saw Gary Guetti make that big throw. You’re going old school twins. I love it. Well, — Tom
— Tommy in all seriousness, I was there yesterday. 18 minutes. Deter looked awesome. He was 7 to 9 from the floor, grabs 7 rebounds. They took advantage of some size mismatches. How many times last year we see Darius Garland or — Max get pinned against a bigger defender
— starting lineup. Mike. What do you make of that? That was the big story there. Wasn’t in, uh, wasn’t suited up. I’m not quite sure why. We’ll see on Saturday if he plays, but without Sam Merrill in the lineup, they put Jalen Tyson alongside Donovan in the backcourt. Tyson couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn yesterday. He’s got to make some shots if he wants to keep playing, but defensively, he had a couple of really nice plays. Two monster blocks. He pinned two guys off the glass, which was really fun to see. He had 3 assists. He had the 2 blocks, had the steal. So he brings that energy and that point of attack defense, the starting lineup missed. He needs to make some shots. He was 053. Got to hit some shots, but He was impressive, uh, from a defensive standpoint. The real story though, I mentioned Craig Porter Junior and Tyrese Proctor. Without Darius, these guys are gonna get a chance to play and look at the stat. 5 of 5 from 3 for a guy we don’t consider a 3-point shooter. You can’t play much better than he did. He only had one turnover too alongside the 4 assists. — He was really good and then
— slowed 60 he can’t move like he wants good. And then Tyrese Proctor though just want to give him a little shout out too because in his first NBA action, real NBA action, understands preseason, but first time on the court, he was 3 or 4, showed off the You know, we had questions coming out. We knew we could shoot. That wasn’t a question. Was, was he physical enough and was he quick enough with his handle to get past people? It’s preseason. Take everything with a grain of salt. It’s not the end all be all, but he made a couple of nice moves, was able to get to his spots and made shots yesterday. So for a preseason opener, like they’re little little tiny things you can take away. We can cut to the chase. I like that Mike’s watching these games because at least it’s a break from all the depressing Browns talk, right? Good. What did you think of Jerry Dibzinski there, Mike. Jerry the dibber. Jerry, listen, Jerry missed a couple of defensive rotations. Frank Duffy. It was said. OK, so really the bottom line, yeah, for me and for Vegas, for this Cavs team in 2025, 2026, it’s finals or bust, right, yes, finals or bust. I don’t care about the preseason. I care a little bit more but not much about the regular season. I’m with you. Wake me up in April. Finals or busts or bust. I can’t do that. I can’t do that McNuggets, but because, man, I, I’m not gonna, I can’t fast for 56 months. No, no, no, no, I, I gotta, — I gotta watch yeah no
— I hear you. I 64 last year. We were cartwheels. I won’t be excited if they’re the ones. And they win 70 games. I am starting to judge this team in April. That’s right. Are, are they the favorites of the East? They are the favorites. They are them and the Knicks are, are basically the same. No, but every, everywhere I looked, — the Cavs were slightly more than that
— tells me how bad the East is. It is that a Cavs team that completely fell on its face in the playoffs two years in a row and didn’t significantly improve their roster, didn’t add any legitimate players. Uh, — but
— I think they added small pieces that they needed them — pieces better than it was
— last year where their roster, you’re not gonna add a significant piece. The devil now is in the detail. They add the who’s the best player they added? — Healthy
— Lonzo’s healthy Lonzo. — What are the odds
— of health that’s an oxy. Larry, Larry Nance you got they replaced Larry Nance with Tristan Thompson. Lonzo Ball, — that’s what are you talking about
— tangible upgrade. So guys, I did get rid of the cabs yet because you just said Larry Nance is a serious upgrade. — Like he’s gonna make a difference
— compared to Tristan Thompson, he is a serious upgrade.

The Cleveland Cavaliers opened preseason play against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night, and while the 114-108 loss won’t show up in the standings, it revealed a lot about where this team stands. The biggest takeaway? The Cavs’ new-look offense under Kenny Atkinson is real — and it’s already changing how this group plays. The ball moved faster, spacing was cleaner, and the tempo felt intentional. Cleveland attempted 37 threes and looked far more comfortable running five-out sets with Evan Mobley operating as a decision-maker at the elbow.

Evan Mobley stood out in a big way, finishing with 18 points, 6 boards, and a new level of confidence attacking off the dribble. His improved touch from mid-range and willingness to shoot from deep showed that his offseason work is translating. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland played limited minutes but looked in sync, moving the ball with pace and letting the offense flow through multiple hands instead of heavy isolation. That balance — something Atkinson has emphasized — could be the key to taking the next step offensively.

But perhaps the most promising sign came from the Cavs’ depth. Craig Porter Jr. gave them energy off the bench, rookie Tyrese Proctor looked poised, and Georges Niang brought the shooting punch Cleveland sorely missed late last season. The defense still has wrinkles to iron out — especially in transition — but the identity shift was clear. The Cavs looked freer, faster, and more modern. And if this was just a glimpse of Atkinson’s vision, Cleveland fans should be encouraged about what’s coming next.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Epicor
From small businesses with big dreams to growing enterprises with global vision, we’ll equip you with the right tools to move forward, think ahead, and lead the way. Discover your success at www.easierwithepicor.com.
Living For We
New episodes drop every other Tuesday, starting February 11th. Listen to Living For We wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video version on Ideastream’s YouTube channel. Learn more at ideastream.com/podcast/living-for-we.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k
Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required.
Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNFL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.
Buckeye State Credit Union is a LOCAL brand that offers a wide range of products from checking accounts to home equity lines of credit & auto loans. Head to Buckeyecu.org for more information.
Menu RX: “Whether you’re chasing peak performance, building your dream body, or seeking optimal longevity, Menu-Rx will help you reach your goals. Go to Menu-RX dot com to get your consultation today.”
Buckeye State Credit Union
Experience the difference with Buckeye State Credit Union. We make banking effortless and convenient for you. Visit us online at buckeyecu.org and discover how Buckeye State Credit Union simplifies your financial journey. Buckeye State Credit Union – Your Money, Simplified.

Subscribe and ring the bell for the latest talk about the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavaliers and Ohio State Buckeyes: https://bit.ly/ucss_subscribe

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ultclesports

Watch live on YouTube 11 a.m.-1 p.m. weekdays on YouTube and WKYC+ on your Roku and Fire TV apps!

The Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show is your daily source of the best conversation about the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavaliers and Ohio State Buckeyes, as well as sports throughout Northeast Ohio. Produced by Mike Lucas, Anthony Antonelli, and Earl Mauldin. Hosted by Jay Crawford, Adam the Bull, G Bush, Jason Lloyd, and Tyvis Powell.