Is that this the very best offense in Cavs historical past? Wine and Gold Discuss podcast

Takeaways:

• Cavs scored probably the most factors (149) in franchise historical past in a non-overtime recreation.
• Denver struggled to defend towards the Cavs’ offensive firepower.
• The Cavs have been constantly scoring 30 factors each quarter.
• Kenny Atkinson’s teaching has considerably impacted the crew’s efficiency.
• Particular person gamers countered their earlier criticisms with robust performances.
• The Cavs have constructed constant habits that contribute to their success.
• Commerce discussions should think about the significance of the present roster.
• Cavs are seen as a check for different groups, not the opposite method round.

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Learn the automated transcript of in the present day’s podcast under. As a result of it’s a computer-generated transcript, it might comprise errors and misspellings.

Ethan Sands

What up, Cavs Nation? I’m your host, Ethan Sands, and I’m again with one other episode of the Wine and Gold Discuss Podcast. We’re coming to you guys after the Cavs 149-135 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday evening. Chris, you have been there. This was one of the vital

Offensive firepower showcases that the Cavs have had this season. What did you’re taking away from this one?

Chris (00:38.374)

Overlook the season, Ethan. Franchise historical past. Most factors that the Cavs have ever scored in a non-overtime recreation. In franchise historical past, they have been unstoppable. Denver tried a bunch of various issues. They got here in with a particular technique, however the conundrum that they have been in is identical one which opponents have been in all season lengthy. What do do? Like, who do you allow open? Who do you double crew? What do you attempt to take away?

So like each crew goes to come back into each single recreation saying, we’re going to attempt to take one thing away. We’re going to attempt to hold from giving up the whole lot. However Denver was giving up the whole lot, particularly the three level line to the Cavs. and so they simply have been unstoppable. They have been on a distinct stage. They’ve been on a distinct stage than many groups across the NBA. And the phrases of Jarrett Allen to me within the locker room after the sport tonight, we’re enjoying actually good basketball towards everyone besides the Atlanta Hawks.

And it’s true, Atlanta’s gotten them twice, however for probably the most half, no one has been capable of constantly discover a solution to decelerate this offensive machine. Denver scored 135 tonight. 135! That’s ok to win many video games within the NBA. It’s not ok towards the Cavs. Not after they’re scoring 30 factors each single quarter. Not after they’re scoring 149.

Not after they have an offensive score of 149 halfway by way of the third quarter. So it simply was a continuation of the whole lot that they’ve been preaching. Every thing that they’ve been engaged on behind the scenes. And I don’t know what the reply is to attempt to decelerate this offense. Like in some unspecified time in the future you simply type of should hope they miss and so they haven’t been lacking. They made at the least 23s for the fourth straight time. There are two groups in NBA historical past which have completed that Ethan. Two in all of NBA historical past.

This 12 months’s Cavs and final 12 months’s Boston Celtics who gained the NBA championship. That’s the stage that the Cavs are enjoying at proper now.

Ethan Sands (02:41.44)

Chris, I prefer to hold a working tab of the stats occurring in every recreation. In tonight’s contest, I needed to go to my notes app, prefer to be sure that it was type of collectively entering into all of the various things that have been taking place in the present day. And also you talked about it, franchise historical past, season highs, all of these issues have been tapped into. And I wanna simply run by way of these somewhat bit. You talked about the three level numbers.

The Cavs had 23 threes tonight, one. Two, that is additionally the second time that they’ve had 20 or extra threes towards the Denver Nuggets of their two matchups, as a result of coming into the sport, their season excessive was 22 for the season. They’d performed it twice towards the Denver Nuggets on December fifth and the Philadelphia 76ers on December twenty first. So type of exhibits you the completely different defenses that they have been capable of do these towards.

They’re the one crew to make 20 and extra threes because the Boston Celtics. stated that tonight was the fifth time the Cavs had 4 or extra gamers rating 20 or extra factors. Probably the most within the NBA as Donovan Mitchell with 30 plus.

Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, all with 20 plus. So that you speak about all of the various things which are occurring in that. Then in the one different season the Cavs have had 5 or extra video games with 4 or extra 20 plus level scores, 1971, 1972. It’s been a very long time coming for the Cavs to have the offense that they wished, that they’ve had, that they’ve seen this season and it-

Plenty of credit score goes to Kenny Atkinson. However Chris, once you have a look at the stat sheet and also you have a look at how the Cavs performed tonight, I really feel like one thing stood out to me that I wished to make very clear originally of this podcast. It felt like each criticism that the gamers on this crew had, every particular person participant that had a good recreation tonight was capable of counter these.

Ethan Sands (05:04.406)

of their performances tonight. Evan Mobley, not capable of shoot threes coming into the season or wasn’t capable of house the ground. 4 of six, simply the second time this season that he’s shot again to again video games with three or extra threes in a contest. Dean Wade, will be finicky, injured, no matter. Three of 4 from three tonight, 11 factors, plus minus of 19. He had the very best plus minus of the sport. Jarrett Allen.

You realize, the lights are too brilliant towards a few of the greatest gamers within the league going up towards Nikola Jokic. 10 of 13, 22 factors, 10 boards, 4 assists, three steals, one block. Darius Garland, not capable of play inside the bushes, not capable of take in contact, not pretty much as good on the defensive finish. 10 of 18, two, simply two three-pointers. So eight of these.

coming inside the lane or mid-range pictures, floaters being an enormous a part of his recreation tonight. He had seven assists, 4 steals, Chris. Level of assault protection was loopy. You additionally speak about entering into the lane and with the ability to disrupt passing lanes and issues of that nature. Donovan Mitchell, doubtlessly not capable of lead a playoff caliber or playoff prepared crew and be the star on that crew. Donovan had 30 factors, led that squad.

and present that he’s a MVP caliber participant and he’s performed all of it season. So I feel it’s fascinating that, and we are able to hold occurring these completely different gamers, however these have been the largest ones that stood out to me and the way they have been capable of counter a few of the issues that different reporters, different nationwide media have stated about them coming into the season.

Chris (06:54.886)

And so they did towards Denver too. That’s the factor. Kenny Echolson talked earlier than the sport about how he was trying ahead to the subsequent week as a result of it was a check within the schedule. He understands the numbers. The numbers say that the Cavs have had one of many best schedules of any crew within the NBA firstly of this season. And the remainder of the way in which, beginning with tonight towards Denver, they’ve received the second most tough schedule of any crew within the NBA. So that is the powerful stretch.

That is the check, the quote unquote check. And Kenny stated it earlier than the sport, you realize, we get a possibility to check ourselves towards championship stage groups, championship stage gamers. We get to search out out simply how good we actually are as if anyone continues to be questioning how good the Cavs actually are. I imply, they proceed to show how good they are surely. I don’t know what else they might present anyone which may be a doubter at this time limit. However this wasn’t Washington.

You realize what imply? This wasn’t Detroit. This was the Denver Nuggets. And you’ll sit there and you’ll say that they haven’t been pretty much as good defensively all through the course of this 12 months. And that’s true. Mike Malone talked about it pregame. Nicole Jokic talked about it after the sport. They don’t seem to be a great defensive crew at this level. They’re principally center of the pack in protection. You can even sit there and say that they didn’t have Aaron Gordon, who’s a key piece of their beginning lineup, a key member of the crew that gained the championship a few years in the past.

That’s additionally true. They didn’t have Aaron Gordon. They weren’t at full energy, however like Friday evening wasn’t about Denver not being at full energy. Friday evening wasn’t about Denver not being at its greatest. Friday evening was in regards to the Cavs being too good and so they’ve been too good for lots of opponents. and it hasn’t mattered the extent of competitors that they’ve performed towards. It hasn’t mattered. in the event that they’re enjoying at dwelling versus on the street.

It doesn’t matter if it’s the second recreation of again to again. doesn’t matter if it’s after an extended layoff within the schedule. They’ve constructed constant habits that they will faucet into on a nightly foundation. And as, as Kenny Yankson has talked about all through the primary 30 plus video games of the season, there haven’t been very many stinkers. And that’s the mark of a very, actually good basketball crew.

Chris (09:19.044)

So we’re going to search out out as this season goes on and because the schedule stiffens, simply how good the Cavs are, I suppose. But it surely’s like each time anyone needs to speak about this check for the Cavs, this check for the Cavs, this check for the Cavs, it doesn’t seem like a check in any respect. Like as I wrote in my recreation story tonight, possibly the check comes Monday towards Golden State. Perhaps it comes the subsequent recreation towards the Lakers as a result of like Denver’s simply not on the extent of the Cavs.

They’ve performed two video games towards the Cavs and the Cavs have principally run away from them in each of these. And Denver is a crew with championship aspirations. So like each crew across the NBA, each individual across the NBA is beginning to understand that it’s not in regards to the opponent. It’s not in regards to the schedule. It’s not about all these different ancillary components that you just need to throw on the market. It’s that the Cavs are actually freaking good.

Ethan Sands (10:18.378)

Chris, it’s fascinating. I imply, you make a great level about Golden State as a result of they provide so many various issues to a number of completely different groups. However once you speak in regards to the numbers and the whole lot that the Cavs have been capable of accomplish tonight, 149 being the season excessive for factors within the recreation. And also you talked about it have been for probably the most, the largest street win and largest non time beyond regulation scoring recreation for them in franchise historical past. Like that, but additionally

The Cavs had two 40 level quarters for the primary half. They’d 80 factors popping out of the primary half. That was their second greatest first half of the season. Their first towards the Golden State Warriors earlier this season the place they only went on the crew, proper? And I really feel prefer it’s fascinating as a result of at that time the Cavs…

needed to have a dialog at halftime or not at halftime after the sport with Tristan Thompson, as I recall, about letting groups again into video games and never permitting themselves the ample relaxation that they so want on this lengthy and grueling 82 recreation season as a result of they Golden State, an amazing crew, again into the competition. And so they haven’t performed that in latest historical past. They haven’t performed with their meals as a lot.

Chris (11:22.342)

Mm-hmm.

Ethan Sands (11:41.02)

regardless that they’ve at occasions let groups go on runs after which go on a run of their very own. So I feel it’s undoubtedly going to be fascinating to see how a lot the Cavs have grown towards the crew that they present they will have a few of the greatest offensive numbers of their season towards, but additionally that may additionally dwindle at some occasions relating to their focus. So I feel it’s undoubtedly going to be a great recreation on Monday.

Chris (12:08.002)

And so Donovan Mitchell’s within the locker room after the sport and he pulls up the field rating on his cellphone and he appears and he sees that he solely performed half-hour tonight in one other blowout, one other recreation the place the Cavs didn’t should be over reliant on him, didn’t should push him an excessive amount of. And he was like, properly, wait, I solely performed half-hour tonight? Yeah.

one other recreation the place I solely needed to play 30. So it’s like, these guys know it and their our bodies are feeling it and so they’re benefiting from it. And so they’re going to profit when April, Might and June roll round. for those who assume again to final 12 months’s crew, lots of the guys have been simply in a bodily psychological state of exhaustion. had been run into the bottom throughout the common season partly as a result of, you realize, six weeks have been, have been performed with out Evan Mobley and Darius Garland concurrently.

partly as a result of they didn’t have Ty Jerome, however for 2 video games. So that they didn’t have the identical quantity of depth partly as a result of JB Bickerstaff approaches his rotation a distinct type of method than Kenny Atkinson does similar to each coach has their very own method of doing issues relating to their rotation. However you realize, you may really feel it round this locker room with the blokes. They don’t really feel like they’re overextended, right here originally of the season. And Kenny Atkinson has a giant image plan.

to be sure that that continues. And if that’s going to proceed, then meaning, you realize, contributions up and down the roster, just like what the Cavs have gotten all through the course of this season. And, you realize, I do know lots of people all the time speak about trades and who the Cavs could also be all in favour of and what are they going to do forward of the commerce deadline. I used to be speaking to someone about this earlier than the sport on the courtroom in Denver and

We have been each saying like, for the Cavs to be the crew that they need to be, for the Cavs to be the crew that they’ve been originally of the season, they want everyone on this roster. So for those who’re going to speak about an addition, that’s cool. That’s tremendous. Lots of people are speaking about it. Folks across the NBA are calling the Cavs saying, Hey, what are you serious about doing on the commerce deadline? However perceive this. Each addition comes with a subtraction.

Chris (14:27.674)

Who’re you subtracting from this crew proper now? Who’re you feeling like is expendable, quote unquote expendable for this crew proper now? As a result of they want Sam Merrill capturing off the bench. They want his gravity. They want his motion. They want George Niang to swallow up a few of the energy ahead minutes and house the ground and run to the corners and his basketball IQ. And you’ll hold occurring and on and on with the checklist. The explanation why the Cavs

have been such an amazing crew originally of the season with a league greatest file, the rationale why they’re taking down franchise information which have stood for greater than three a long time is due to everyone. It’s not due to Donovan or solely Darius or the core 4. It’s due to everyone. So simply perceive that once you’re speaking about additions on the commerce deadline, that that additionally comes with a subtraction.

And subtractions are very, very harmful for a crew that’s enjoying like this. And I believed tonight, you realize, Jarrett Allen was nice and Donovan was nice and Evan Mobley was nice. Dean Ray Dean Wade was underrated actually, actually good. thought Sam Merrill gave them some actually good minutes. Caris Laverte along with his vitality and his effort, all of that type of stuff. So, they want everyone on this crew to, be this crew that they’re.

Ethan Sands (15:52.566)

And I feel it’s a very good level that you just make in regards to the roster and its make-up and the way everyone has, and like I stated earlier, of fallen into their very own place, proper? And grown into the participant that the Cavs have wanted them to be. Karas LeVert being as environment friendly as he’s been this season. I feel there are two performs that actually stood out to me, or there’s a bunch, however two that I need to point out simply rapidly.

one being Caris Levert, actually catching a move from Donovan Mitchell within the mid vary, what the spacing appeared like and saying, Nope, I’m a dribble it again out to the three level line and reset the complete offense. was like, this time final 12 months, that was not even fathomable for Caris Levert. Love that. After which pretty much as good because the offense was tonight, my second favourite play got here on the defensive finish the place

Like I feel it was Christian Brown drove to the lane, Jerry Allen flashed and deterred him. He actually turned away. It was like, no, kicked it out to a different participant. Darius Garland fronted up. Darius Garland is on the market who once more, 4 steals made him kick. Then Evan Mobley is on the perimeter.

and defending after which they drive or no matter. Prefer it was only a nice general defensive possession the place you have a look at the rotations, you have a look at everyone with the ability to play their half to the purpose that it wasn’t going to present the Nuggets, particularly with probably the greatest offensive hubs in Nikola Jokic, a possibility to attain. And Chris, it’s not like Nikola Jokic didn’t have a great recreation. He was 27. Yeah, he had a triple double.

Chris (17:38.534)

He had a triple double.

Ethan Sands (17:41.526)

27 factors 14 rebounds 13 assists and within the final recreation towards the Denver Nuggets Nicole Yocich had 27 factors 20 rebounds and 11 assists and the Cavs gained that recreation handily too. So prefer it like they gained it by 12 factors Handily is perhaps a stretch however nonetheless like I feel it exhibits that the Cavs can enable A few of these different groups greatest gamers and once more, I’ve stated this earlier on this podcast early within the 12 months

Chris (17:55.59)

Yeah.

Ethan Sands (18:11.52)

They’re utilizing a technique that they as soon as had used towards them, towards opposing groups. And Jamal Murray had 27 factors tonight, 11 assists. That, like, nonetheless wasn’t sufficient for this Denver Nuggets crew to get it performed due to the offensive buzzsaw that the Cleveland Cavaliers are.

Chris (18:32.71)

That’s what I used to be saying. Like Denver performed properly. Denver shot 56 % from the sector. Denver shot higher than 40 % from three level vary. Denver received a triple double from Jokic, a double double from Jamal Murray. Michael Porter Jr. had 15 factors within the first half. Like this wasn’t about Denver. This wasn’t about Denver not enjoying properly or having a clunker at dwelling or being on

The primary recreation of a back-to-back coming off a Christmas day recreation or something alongside these traces, proper? Like that is simply one other continuation of the Cavs are simply higher than most groups Like in some unspecified time in the future individuals are simply going to have to simply accept that and we are able to sit right here and we are able to speak about checks and da da da da da and clearly Kenny Atkinson was was going to speak about that as a result of he’s a coach and he’s all the time on the lookout for information and he’s all the time on the lookout for alternatives to see how the Cavs play

towards championship caliber opponents to see what works towards them, what doesn’t work towards them. What sorts of issues does he need to implement shifting ahead earlier than the playoffs roll round and all these various things. And I do know that the Cavs aren’t Boston particularly, like Boston is the reigning NBA champs. They’re on a distinct tier than in my view, everyone else within the NBA. However like, do you assume Boston is speaking about checks?

Like, we’re occurring this West Coast street journey towards Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, Golden State, and we gotta check ourselves and we gotta see simply how good we actually are. And we gotta see how we measure as much as these. No, they’re not saying that as a result of they’re like, bleep that. Like we’re the check. We’re the check for them. We don’t should measure as much as anyone. We’re higher than everyone.

so I imply, I feel it’s tremendous for the Cavs to assume the identical type of like Golden State’s not a check for the Cavs. The Cavs are a check for Golden State. Proper? Dallas isn’t a check for the Cavs. The Cavs are a check for the Mavericks. Like these groups should catch as much as the Cavs. They’re considered one of 5 groups which are high 10 in offense and protection.

Chris (20:58.106)

They’ve the second highest level differential in the complete NBA. They’ve the league’s greatest file. So I do know we get into these things about checks and we now have to put in writing about it as a result of Kenny Atkinson stated it and he used that time period. However even Donovan type of like shrugged that remark off within the locker room after the sport. He was like, yeah, I do know everyone’s type of this like a check, however I’m not going to take a seat right here and say that every one of us are it that method. And so they shouldn’t as a result of like,

What do it’s important to find out about this crew thus far? Like, what can they present you that’s going to be higher or completely different than what they’ve proven within the first 31 video games? Like, what have they got to show? What have they got to validate at this level? Like, the one factor that they will show and the one factor that they will validate is simply how rattling good they’re, and that comes within the playoffs, proper?

Can they go additional than they did final 12 months? They received to the Jap Convention semi-finals. Can they get to the convention finals? Can they get to the NBA finals? However like we are able to’t quick ahead the season. However this concept that the Cavs want a check or they should present one thing else that they haven’t proven already. Bleep that. I don’t purchase that in any respect. Like they’ve proven sufficient. Like these different groups.

Gotta discover a solution to get to their stage, not the opposite method round. These different groups have to point out that they will compete with the Cavs, not the opposite method round. So we are able to sit right here and we are able to say that, yeah, imply, Golden State’s a stiffer check than Washington, and the Lakers are a stiffer check than Charlotte, and the Mavericks are a stiffer check than the Chicago Bulls.

But it surely’s like, these groups aren’t on the extent of the Cavs. They don’t belong in the identical dialog with the Cavs. The Cavs have separated themselves from these specific groups.

Ethan Sands (23:10.602)

Additionally, I agree with you and I like that, however one other enjoyable little stat from tonight’s recreation, as a result of Nikola Jokic missed three threes, he was 0 for 3 on the evening, of gamers which have performed 20 video games this season, or 20 video games or extra this season, and averaged quarter-hour per recreation minimal, and have at the least one three-point try per recreation.

Isaac Okoro is now the chief within the NBA in three level proportion with 49.2 % and Nicola Jokic is right down to 48.7. So like Isaac, a man that’s rehabbing from an AC joint sprain in his proper shoulder traveled with the crew to Denver, even with the excessive altitude and all these different issues. He was on the bench celebrating. like, he’s simply.

This can be a crew that simply needs to be round one another, proper? And all of the issues that they’ve occurring, the positivity and issues of that nature. However the different factor and.

Chris (24:14.064)

Additionally they need him to get some exercises in on the courtroom. He received a great one in in the present day following shoot round. Kenny Atkinson was nearly blown away by how a lot Isaac was capable of do. Kenny Atkinson stated earlier than the sport he thought it was going to be an extended stretch and he wished to warning everyone, together with me, that was going to learn an excessive amount of into his commentary about Isaac saying he’s not shut but. Let’s not say that he’s prepared to come back again.

However Kenny was blown away by the quantity of exercise that Isaac was capable of do with that proper shoulder. He was performing some catch and shoot stuff. He was performing some stand nonetheless stuff. He was performing some dribbling. He was performing some passing. So it was good exercise for Isaac and the Cavs have an extended stretch developing earlier than Monday the place they’ve a number of practices. After which they’re going to have one other lengthy stretch following the again to again the place they’re going to be in Dallas and so they’re going to have a number of energy.

practices there. So it’s simply, you realize, extra alternatives across the crew for certain. Like Isaac needs to be across the crew. They need Isaac across the crew, particularly on the longest street journey of the season thus far. Lengthy street journeys imply crew bonding. Lengthy street journeys imply enjoyable. Lengthy, lengthy street journeys imply issues that transcend basketball. And the Cavs are hoping to perform these issues throughout this street journey. And Isaac is definitely part of that, however it’s additionally going to be a very good alternative.

for him to get some good work in on the courtroom, similar to he did following shoot round in order that he cannot expedite his return as a result of the Cavs are going to proceed to take a cautious strategy, however proceed the strenuous on-court exercise as a part of his rehab course of.

Ethan Sands (25:58.42)

Yeah, Chris, and also you talked about like commerce speak and the crew like having followers which may need them to make a transfer or no matter. I had individuals in my mentions and in my DMS asking me in regards to the Cleveland cost recreation that occurred tonight with the Cavs Cleveland cost going up towards Ronnie James and the Lakers G League squad and Imani Bates and Craig Porter Jr. Imani Bates had 30 factors.

5 rebounds and 7 three-pointers Craig Porter jr. Had 28 factors 10 assists in 5 steals and Folks have been asking me why is Imani not on? The Cav squad and I used to be like, all proper right here we go once more. We’re

Chris (26:42.63)

As a result of Ty Jerome can solely play seven minutes at this level. With how deep and gifted the Cavs are.

Ethan Sands (26:46.016)

right.

100%. And it’s like, who’re you taking minutes from and all these various things. And then you definitely speak about simply how younger Amani is and the way he’s nonetheless rehabbing from a knee surgical procedure earlier this 12 months, like making an attempt to get again in control and get the boldness. Like clearly tonight is a good stepping stone. however they play once more shortly towards the identical Lakers crew. so you have got one other revamp interval there, however I feel.

If you have a look at this crew and also you have a look at what they’ve been capable of accomplish this season, we’ve talked about it at size on this podcast, Chris, it is extremely delicate with what the Cavs have occurring within the off season with contracts and all these various things. Like, do you put together a Monty Bates to step in and take a spot from someone which may not be right here subsequent 12 months? Do the Cavs decide to go over the posh tax?

And hold these gamers round due to how cohesive they’re What are the choices that they’re gonna make is one thing that we stay up for come commerce deadline time particularly but additionally within the offseason as a result of relying on how far the calves go Jap Convention finals NBA finals or shorter than that may decide what the calves find yourself doing and what This crew

decides is the very best plan of action for his or her success sooner or later.

Chris (28:19.43)

There’s some hilariously obnoxious pounding occurring above me on this resort. do not know what that’s. And by the way in which, if we’d been within the Cavs locker room and you’ll have been saying, individuals have been in my DMs, hilarity would have ensued.

And craziness would have ensued. was having a dialog with Evan Mobley following the sport and Evan was similar to, how am I supposed to pay attention proper now when I’ve Darius and Isaac going backwards and forwards at one another? So one other second the place you stated what you stated would have prompted nice chaos within the Cavs locker room. I allow you to slide with it till the tip as a result of it felt such as you have been making an attempt to make a very good level, Ethan, however

you saying that, you realize, individuals have been in my DMs. All I used to be serious about was, what would Darius say if he simply heard that? What would Isaac say if he simply heard that? What would Donovan say if he simply heard that? What would anyone have stated if they only heard that? However I allow you to slide on this one.

Ethan Sands (29:25.334)

I respect that. I respect that. As quickly because it got here out of my mouth, I used to be like, there are gonna be some feedback.

Chris (29:33.55)

I’m a married man, fortunately married with a 3 12 months outdated son. So my DMs are closed. Thanks very a lot.

Ethan Sands (29:41.47)

My DMs are additionally closed, Chris. man. They have been unlucky for everyone. They weren’t ladies in my DMs as a result of they weren’t presupposed to be there. They know higher than to be in my DMs. However they have been males making an attempt to get readability on the Imani Bates state of affairs.

Chris (29:47.418)

That’s not what you stated. You stated they have been open. Folks have been sliding in.

Chris (30:07.238)

By the way in which, I I encountered probably the most weird factor that has ever occurred to me in 11 years protecting the NBA tonight earlier than the sport. So I had simply gotten-

Ethan Sands (30:17.97)

Not- not- whoa whoa whoa, not- whoa, not- not them having to alter a hoop out after that- like, earlier than the sport final time? Worse than that?

Chris (30:23.726)

No. No, I imply like, no, that would occur in an NBA recreation relying on, you realize, various various factors. So like, you don’t count on that to occur essentially, however you realize that it will possibly occur. And it’s not solely out of the odd as a result of hoops break, as a result of shot clocks malfunction, as a result of rims get crooked, as a result of guys dunk like Shaq and convey down hoops and stuff like that.

So you realize at the back of your thoughts it might occur. So this was one thing that I by no means would have predicted in my whole life. So I had simply received performed writing one thing pre-game and I received performed having my meal. And it was most likely about eight minutes on the timer earlier than tip-off.

Yeah, I feel it was about eight minutes on the timer earlier than tip off and I needed to go to the toilet as a result of for those who’re in Denver, you higher drink a bunch of water as a result of the altitude will mess with you. Like my eyes are so watery being on this metropolis and you realize, there are a few guys within the calves which are coping with a head chilly. Jarrett Allen being considered one of them. The altitude definitely isn’t serving to it. It appeared like Donovan was battling somewhat little bit of one thing by way of a head chilly too. So it’s simply one thing to observe over the subsequent couple of days.

However I needed to go to the toilet as a result of I used to be chugging a lot water. So you understand how this goes. For those who’re within the bowels of the world, there are completely different amenities that completely different individuals use primarily based on the place the media workroom is, the place the Lexus membership lounge is, the place the courtside individuals go, and stuff like that. So right here in Denver, there are a few completely different choices.

and considered one of them is just like the household lavatory that’s proper exterior the household room of the Denver Nuggets. However like that’s additionally the place the media goes. So it’s about eight minutes earlier than tip-off and I stroll into the toilet and who’s in there?

Chris (32:40.389)

Nicola Jokic.

Yeah, by no means thought I used to be going to see that. He has a locker room. I’ve by no means as soon as seen a NBA basketball participant, like, cease in a kind of sorts of locations that’s not the NBA locker room. You realize what I imply? Like, to see Nikola Jokic in that type of place the place, you realize, the general public makes use of it, the wealthy individuals, they use it.

Clearly households of nuggets gamers they use it the media makes use of it Employees of the Denver Nuggets enviornment ball enviornment they use it however like that’s one which isn’t blocked off that’s one that you just don’t should have a particular move for and I stroll in there and I’m going to take a leak and I did like a triple take like I appeared up I appeared down at his sneakers. I appeared up once more. I appeared down at his sneakers. I’m like

Is that you just, bitch? Eight minutes earlier than tip-off? Like, not understanding on the courtroom? Like, utilizing a semi-public lavatory within the bowels of the world when the locker room is actually throughout the way in which. Actually throughout the way in which. I imply, I’ve by no means seen… are locations like that inside Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. And I can let you know that I’ve by no means seen any Cavs participant in any of these.

and I used to be simply shocked that I’m in that type of lavatory and, you realize, probably the greatest gamers, fairly presumably the very best participant in the complete NBA is utilizing a semi-public one in his enviornment, principally, proper earlier than tip-off. I used to be baffled by that. Think about going into a toilet like that after which Victor Wemba-Nyama is in there or one thing like

Chris (34:42.842)

You simply don’t count on to see one thing like that or LeBron James like we’re going to Los Angeles in a few days Like he’s not gonna use the identical lavatory that I’m gonna use that’s for certain

Ethan Sands (34:55.414)

Nah, that’s bizarre. One, as a result of it was eight minutes earlier than tip-off and such as you’re presupposed to be on the courtroom. However like there’s this working… I don’t even need to say joke as a result of he’s made it so clear. Like Nikola Jokic simply used this as his job. Just like the NBA is his job. And like for him to be… He stated, I simply use rest room. I simply use like public lavatory.

Chris (34:59.845)

I do know.

Ethan Sands (35:23.58)

It’s everyone else use it. Why can’t you say it’s like I don’t it that’s so humorous to me to consider like as a result of he’s not a small dude both like you’re a very giant man like why are you

Chris (35:40.71)

Joe from Cherry Creek or one thing like that who’s in that rest room and he’s similar to hey, Nicola go get him tonight, bud

Ethan Sands (35:49.27)

That’s insane bro. Like what? What are the percentages? Such as you stroll in and like 1 % possibly? Perhaps much less? don’t-

Chris (35:54.498)

No.

Ethan, I’ve coated, my god, loads of video games. Let’s simply put it that method. Plenty of video games in my NBA profession that has by no means occurred earlier than. And I don’t assume it’ll ever occur once more, if we’re being trustworthy about it.

Ethan Sands (36:01.366)

Let’s.

Ethan Sands (36:16.384)

Do you assume like he similar to didn’t understand he wasn’t within the locker room or like he similar to, I don’t know. Like he would simply come off and run off the courtroom. I received to take a leak. Like, I’m gonna go to this, closest lavatory. It’s not such as you have been like.

Chris (36:29.646)

I simply don’t assume he cares.

assume he’s simply, you realize, he’s Jokic. He’s considered one of one. How he behaves, how he talks, the issues that he cares about. I imply, give it some thought. Like this can be a man who, you realize, gained an NBA championship and like didn’t actually know precisely the way to have fun that. You realize what I imply? Sure.

Ethan Sands (37:01.046)

Horse racing, Chris. Gotta do it.

Chris (37:03.865)

He simply, as an alternative of getting a parade in Denver, he wished to return dwelling and he wished to play along with his horses. That’s simply type of how he’s.

Ethan Sands (37:16.374)

Man, properly, considered one of one is unquestionably the way in which I might describe him, how do I deliver this again to heart?

Chris (37:19.418)

Yeah.

Chris (37:24.312)

On that observe, that’ll do it for in the present day’s version of the Eager to Go Discuss podcast.

Ethan Sands (37:31.019)

You bought it Chris, wanna do the outro? Go forward!

Chris (37:34.574)

No man, I do sufficient of that in my part-time job with the radio internet hosting gig.

Ethan Sands (37:38.71)

Nicely, I feel that’ll wrap up in the present day’s episode as Chris stated. So, with that being stated, that’ll wrap up in the present day’s episode of the Wine and Gold Discuss Podcast. However keep in mind to grow to be a Cavs Insider and work together with Chris, me, and Jimmy by subscribing to Subtext.

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