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The Cavaliers play their 5th and final Summer League game today against the New York Knicks. So far, the Cavs have had varying levels of success throughout the week, but overall I have to say that it's been a positive experience. There have been some very nice things shown from a number of players. Today, they wrap it all up and try to walk away with a winning record.
Tonight's Overview:
Cleveland Cavaliers (2-2) vs. New York Knicks (0-4)
Tipoff at 4 PM Eastern
I'm not sure if Dion Waiters will play tonight, as he sat out the last game with left knee soreness. He was wearing a small brace on his knee and it didn't seem too serious. If he is in the lineup the intrigue surrounding this game instantly jumps big time. If he's not in the game, we'll pretty much just be watching for the limited minutes that Tristan Thompson plays.
Thompson played his best game of the week against the Timberwolves last night and will look to repeat that performance and build upon it. The Knicks don't really have any solid NBA players, so Tristan should be able to have another nice game. After last night's performance I asked him about his face-up game that he's been working on. He told me that we might get to see him take some jumpers today against the Knicks. I'm excited/anxious to see how his jumper looks after a season of working on it.
The biggest thing to watch for is the matchup between Jamaican big men -- Samardo Samuels vs. Jerome Jordan. Jordan is back with the Knicks and Samardo has been a beast for the Cavs this week. Oddly enough, the new and improve Samardo Samuels leads the Cavaliers in scoring with 13 points per game.
Tyler Zeller didn't have a great game last night, but has a chance end the week on a high note against a relatively weak Knicks front line.
Some rapid-fire thoughts before I end this...
Michael Eric has been "meh" this week, but he has good size and athleticism. He is a dark house to make the roster and at least get a training camp invite.
Justin Holiday is a smooth athlete and has made some nice plays on both ends of the floor. I think he'll end up making an NBA team.
Donald Sloan has been competent enough to be the favorite to get the backup point guard spot.
Fear the Sword's Fearless Prediction:
I'll get this right eventually...Dion Waiters finally scores 20 points and the Cavs go on to beat the Knicks. Cleveland finishes the Summer League with a winning record and on a positive note. I get to fly back home and sleep in my own bed.