Final Score: Cavs lose to the Spurs after cold shooting, horrid transition defense in 1st half

Tonight promised a matchup of two of the best teams in the NBA, two teams that fancy themselves to be full-on championship contenders. The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a tough schedule in March, and have had roster inconsistency and injuries, but employ several stars and LeBron James. The San Antonio Spurs are a model of stability.

After a single half of basketball, it was clear we wouldn’t get a great matchup. The Cavs refused to play transition defense and turned the ball over time and time again.

Your final score at the half: The San Antonio Spurs 64, the Cleveland Cavaliers 40.

J.R. Smith and Kyrie Irving are probably the biggest offenders, but Kawhi Leonard has been fantastic on LeBron James and no one was hitting shots. The Cavs were 2-15 from three point range in the first half, and turned the ball over eight times. Even when they didn’t turn the ball over, transition defense was optional. Tristan Thompson was the only Cavs starter to shoot over 50% from the field and no one that came off the bench scored a single point.

If the Cavs decide to show up for the second half we will get this one a full recap, but the game is functionally over right now.