2022 Las Vegas Summer League: Cleveland Cavaliers hold on, beat Detroit Pistons 82-79

The Cleveland Cavaliers wrapped up the first chunk of their Sumer League by defeating the Detroit Pistons 82-79.

The Pistons were without five of their main summer team with Jalen Duren, Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart, Isaiah Livers and Jaden Ivey all sitting out this one. This led to a pretty sloppy game that the Cavs were able to take advantage of in the first half as they jumped out to a 23 point lead. That lead evaporated as the Cavs were outscored 53 to 37 in the second half. The Pistons had multiple chances to force overtime with a three in the closing seconds but weren’t able to convert.

Ochai Agbagi has shown everything this summer you’d want to see from a rookie of his caliber. He didn’t have a good shooting performance this evening like he did against the Charlotte Hornets as he finished with 12 points on 4-16 shooting which included connecting on 2-9 outside attempts. That said, he was still able to make contributions in other areas as he provided seven rebounds, three assists and a steal.

The outside shots that the rookie did make were impressive as they included two threes like the one below that he converted moving to his off-shooting hand.

Agbagi will find a place in the rotation if he can be a reliable outside shooter while providing energy on the defensive end. He showed that he could become a reliable wing shooting option this summer as he finished the four game stretch shooting 12-32 (37.5%) from distance.

Second-round pick Isaiah Mobley has not had as impressive of a summer. He ended Thursday’s game with eight points, six boards, two blocks, two assists and a steal. There are certainly positive traits to build off, but it’s clear he will need time to refine those skills with the Cleveland Charge prior to being able to give meaningful NBA minutes.

RJ Nembhard Jr. has bounced back nicely in his last two games after a stagnant team offensive performance Sunday against the Denver Nuggets where Nembhard had no assists and the team combined for just nine. The second year guard did a good job of initiating the offense against Detroit while finishing with 14 points on four of eight shooting with four assists and three steals. Becoming more of an on-ball initiator has been a transition for Nembhard since turning pro. It’s encouraging to see him takes steps in the right direction.

Cameron Young led the Cavs in scoring with 15 points on three of 13 shooting with four rebounds and three steals. Young did most of his damage drawing contact with his persistent pump-fake and getting to the line where he converted nine of his 10 free-throws. Amauri Hardy also contributed nine points on four of eight shooting with three boards and an assist in just over 11 minutes of play.