Cavaliers Open Preseason With 117-102 Win Over Magic

Following their NBA Championship win in June, the Cleveland Cavaliers have started their preseason on a good note.

Cavaliers Open Preseason With 117-102 Win Over Magic

Thanks to help from several of their young guards, the Cavs defeated the Orlando Magic 117-102 at Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday night, leading by 26 at the half.

After sitting out the Wine and Gold Scrimmage on Sunday afternoon, LeBron James got the start against Orlando and, in only 13 minutes of total playing time, led both teams with six assists and seven points, as well as a pair of boards.

Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue said he plans to keep James’ playing time during the preseason to a minimum. Lue also rested Kyre Irving, while Tristan Thompson sat out with a stiff left foot. In Irving’s place– as the Cavaliers coaching staff attempts to fill the backup point guard spot–Lue turned to defensive specialist and Camp invitee, DeAndre Liggins. 

Liggins had a strong game on both ends– he finished with six points, three assists and a steal in 25 minutes of play.

Jordan McRae led both teams with 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting, including 2-of-3 from long-range to go with seven rebounds and five assists. McRael also delivered what was perhaps the play of the night. He sunk an impressive, two-handed dunk in Bismack Biyombo’s face halfway through the third quarter as Cleveland’s bench erupted to cheer on the nimble sophomore combo guard.

”During the regular season, it’s not going to be my job to score,” said McRae. “Bron and Ky – those are going to be the guys that we rely upon. If I’m able to knock down some open shots and get in a flow when I can, then I will.”

The Cavs’ only rookie, 21-year-old point guard Kay Felder, also amazed on Wednesday. Felder, who led the country in assists last year as a junior with Oakland, had 14 points on 7-for-11 shooting– adding four boards, two assists and a pair of steals.

“I think Jordan’s ability to score the basketball and get to the free throw line and Kay’s speed,” praised Lue. “There’s no substitution for speed. (Kay) can get to the basket, turn the corner, get in the paint and make the right pass or the right play. Having those two young guys added to our old mix is pretty good for us.”

Jeff Green scored 19 points to pace the Magic in their second game under coach Frank Vogel. : Mario Hezonja scored 17 and Evan Fournier added 14.

Felder and McRae weren’t the only reserves who shined, however. Rookie Jonathan Holmes added 12 points on 5-for-10 shooting and young veteran Cory Jefferson led both teams with 11 boards in just 21 minutes of play.

Overall, Cleveland shot 53 percent from the floor and compiled 30 assists on 42 completed shots, 13 of which came from beyond the arc– where the reigning NBA champions finished 13-of-27 on the night.

The Cavaliers will next host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, while the Magic will host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 5: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives around Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic during the first half of a preseason game at Quicken Loans Arena on October 5, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Article by Pablo Mena