The Cleveland Cavaliers kicked off their 2024 Las Vegas Summer League campaign with a polarizing start, going 1-1 in their first two games. The difference between the two games couldn’t be more stark, with a disappointing showing in game one against the Orlando Magic followed by an impressive victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in game two.
In the first game against the Magic, the Cavs struggled as returning players Craig Porter Jr. and Pete Nance failed to find their rhythm, combining for 18 points on 6-for-17 shooting. Porter, in particular, looked shaky as he returned from an ankle injury, but there were still some bright spots for the team despite the embarrassing loss.
However, the Cavs bounced back in a big way in their second game against the Bucks. Led by standout performances from Tyson and Luke Travers, who wreaked havoc on the defensive end, the team shot 54.5% from the field and forced 25 turnovers. Porter Jr. and Bates also stepped up, with Porter dishing out seven assists and Bates scoring 20 points on efficient shooting.
The impressive showing by fringe players like Travers has given the Cleveland front office some tough decisions to make, as these players make a case for rotational minutes or even a two-way deal. While a slow start to the Summer League could potentially hurt their chances of repeating as champions, the Cavs’ depth at the wing position may not be as big of a concern as initially thought.
Overall, the Cavs’ Summer League journey has been a rollercoaster so far, with ups and downs that showcase the potential of the team’s young talent. As they continue to navigate through the competition in Vegas, one thing is for certain – the future looks bright for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
