After dropping their first two games of the Samsung NBA Summer League, the Cleveland Cavaliers took the floor on Monday night to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves inside Thomas & Mack Arena for their third and final preliminary seeding game of this year’s tournament.
The Cavs came out of the starting gates a bit sluggish, but quickly recovered. Through the first few minutes of play, Minnesota jumped out to an early 8-3 lead. However, Cleveland battled their way back to a one-point lead at the 5:05 mark of the first. At the end of the first quarter, Cleveland held a six-point advantage (20-14), led by Cory Jefferson’s seven points.
Heading into the second quarter, Cleveland started pulling away. Back-to-back three-pointer’s from Raphiael Putney near the mid-way point of the quarter had Minnesota calling a frustrated timeout, as the good guys had taken a 31-16 lead. At the halftime horn, Cleveland held a 10-point lead (44-34), led by Kay Felder’s 10 points.
After the break, The Cavs continued their offensive onslaught. With a 20-point lead at the eight minute mark, the good guys seemed to be cruising to victory. Heading into the final quarter of play, Cleveland held a whopping 30-point advantage (74-34).
With the game well in hand, the fourth quarter was a good chance for some of the bench players to log some quality minutes. As the final horn blew, Cleveland had won their first game of the Samsung NBA Summer League in convincing fashion (99-68).
Tonight’s game ball goes to Raphiael Putney. The UMASS product put up a team-high 19 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in just 20 minutes of play. Putney’s five of seven mark from downtown should bring a few coaching eyes in his direction.
Putney spoke with NBA TV post-game, saying:
“We just have to continue to have confidence and be aggressive.”
The Cavs are now 1-2 in summer league play. Their next opponent in the tournament is yet to be determined.
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