Summer League Final Score: Cavaliers 65, Timberwolves 78

Well that wasn't very fun. The Cavaliers' record in Las Vegas Summer League dropped to 2-2 after suffering a loss at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dion Waiters sat out with left knee soreness as the Cavaliers lost 78-65. The Cavs have one more game left in Summer League and will play the Knicks tomorrow afternoon.

Cavs Leaders: Points: Thompson, 16; Rebounds: Zeller, 7; Assists: Campbell, 3

Quick Thoughts:

The game started with disappointment when we found out that Dion Waiters was being held out with left knee soreness. Apparently he hurt it during the Suns game. If you recall when Waiters had a breakaway and got blocked by Markieff Morris, it seemed like he couldn't get any elevation. He kind of slipped and that's where he hurt his knee. From what I could tell, it's not serious and he should be fine. But it's something to keep an eye on.

Fortunately for us, the Cavs decided to play Tristan Thompson some extended minutes tonight. With Waiters out, this game could have been beyond boring and terrible. We were rewarded by getting some really solid minutes from Tigger. He led the Cavs in scoring with 16 points on 7-10 shooting, including some really solid post moves. He had some powerful dunks (which occurred right in front of me). His post moves were smooth, simple, and solid. He played really solid defense (on everyone besides Derrick Williams) and talked to me after the game. I'm really encouraged by this game from Tristan. The things that he did looked like they were repeatable and would translate to the NBA. It was just him powering over weaker players. These were nice, solid moves. Good stuff from Tristan.

Tyler Zeller didn't have a good game. He wasn't very aggressive, but didn't really get his touches. It seemed like the guards and wings on the Cavs were all just ignoring the Cavs' bigs for much of the game. Once they started feeding the bigs towards the end of the game, the Cavs began to come back. However, it was Samardo Samuels and Luke Harangody on the court instead of Zeller. I'm not too concerned, as he still ended up with 7 rebounds and played decent defensively. He's been so good this week, that he's allowed one bad game.

Samardo Samuels continues to impress. He still looks like he's in amazing shape. He scored another 14 points and did it efficiently. He was hitting jumpers and attacking the rim with authority. I continue to maintain that 'Mardo will make the roster.

Derrick Williams was a nightmare for the Cavs. He was relentless on the attack and went to the foul line a billion times. When he settled for jumpers, I took a sigh of relief. He also dunked all over Luke Harangody. I chuckled a bit.

Fear The Sword's Player of the Game:

Tristan Thompson

He was efficient, strong, and patient. We didn't get to see him unleash the midrange jumper he's been working on, but perhaps that will come tomorrow against the Knicks.