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Cup of Cavs: Cleveland Cavaliers News and Links for Thursday, October 20

One down, 81 more to go.

Cleveland Cavaliers v Toronto Raptors Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images

Yesterday’s game was frustrating. The Cleveland Cavaliers were in position to win last night but a few (or more than a few) calls going the other way and some timely open threes from the Toronto Raptors was enough to do them in.

The first sip

Donovan Mitchell was impressive in his Cavalier debut. He was easily the Cavs’ best player on the floor as he finished with 31 points, 9 assists, 3 turnovers and 2 steals on 12 of 21 shooting. Mitchell was also a team high +10 in 34 minutes of play. Mitchell’s 31 points tied Ron Brewer as the only other Cavalier to score 30+ points in their first Cavalier outing.

Mitchell showed why the Cavs paid such a steep price to get him. He kept the offense afloat without the services of Darius Garland putting them in a position to win. It’s no surprise J.B. Bickerstaff and Jarrett Allen had nothing but good things to say about Mitchell’s performance Wednesday night.

This game is frustrating in the moment and especially in light of Garland’s injury. But we will be able to look back on Mitchell’s debut fondly. He hit the ground running while showing how he can raise this team’s ceiling.

The second sip

We got an update on Garland after last night’s game.

That experience sounds absolutely awful but there’s reason to believe it could’ve been worse. Hopefully we’ll see Darius back on the court sooner rather than later.

Read this

The Cavaliers stole the offseason. Now the real work starts.

Links of the day

Lowe: The 5 most intriguing players this NBA season

Daryl Morey changed the game, but he still hasn’t beaten it.

I’m bullish on the Detroit Pistons for one reason: Cade Cunningham

DeRozan scores 37, Bulls top Heat 116-108 in season opener

Raptors quick reactions