CLEVELAND, OH--- The Cavs played basketball at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse Thursday night for the first time this preseason, hosting, and losing to the Orlando Magic 108-105.
Even though it's only the pre-season, Cavs fans all over Ohio are anxious to see what this team can do in the 2023-2024 regular season, and (as expected) the NBA Playoffs. A much anticipated addition to this team was Guard/ Forward Max Strus, who was acquired by the Cavs in a sign-and-trade. Strus was involved in a 3 team trade where the Cavs sent Cedi Osman, Lamar Stevens, and a 2nd round pick to the San Antonio Spurs, while sending another 2nd round pick to the Miami Heat. Strus scored 13 points in Thursday night's game shooting 4 for 8 from the field. Strus also dished out 5 assists and while pulling in 6 rebounds. Strus was only a point behind Dean Wade for the team lead with 14 points off the bench.
Another new addition to the Cavs was the return of Triston Thompson, Thompson a member of the 2016 NBA Champion Cavs returned to Cleveland in the off season as a free agent. Thompson would have an impactful 15 minutes, pulling in 6 rebounds and recording a block, these key boards and blocks are going to be what the Cavs are looking for in the paint in hopes to not repeat the Knicks first round playoff series from last season. Evan Mobley also had a decent game, scoring 11 points while pulling in 4 rebounds and recording a block.
Follow and listen to all things Cavaliers all season long on your flagship, Newsradio WTAM 1100, serving Northeast Ohio for 100 years.