by Cleveland Cavaliers Secure Summer League Title
Photo via abc13.com
LAS VEGAS, NV – The Cleveland Cavaliers took the crown of the 2023 NBA Summer League. On Monday night, the Cavs took on the Houston Rockets and defeated them by a final score of 99-78. Big man Isaiah Mobley took home MVP honors with a 28-point 11-rebound performance. The Cavs put together an all-around dominant performance to take down the Rockets.
New Faces
The Cavaliers had just one pick in the 2023 NBA draft and used it to select Emoni Bates 49th overall. Just a few years ago, Bates was seen as the number one prospect in his class. For a guy with his raw talent to fall that deep in the draft was a steal for the Cavaliers. As the NBA Summer League progressed, Bates was performing better and better. He received 2nd team honors for the Summer League averaging 16.8 points and 6.2 rebounds a contest heading into the championship game. He did not disappoint in the final either. Bates put up 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists to help the Cavs.
Even though he did not get drafted, free agent signee Craig Porter Jr. played a big part in helping the Cavs to the Championship. In a game against the Bulls on Thursday night, Porter dropped 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists that helped push the Cavs to a 4-point victory. He put his stamp on the championship game with 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Porter Jr. showed why he belongs at the top level of the game with his performance throughout the Summer League tournament.
Defense Wins Championships
Cam Whitmore of the Houston Rockets took home Summer League MVP honors. The Villanova alum averaged 20.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.0 steals per game heading into the Championship. The Cavs held him to 14 points on 6-17 shooting from the field. As a team the Rockets shot just 38% from the field and 30% from long range.
Momentum
With the young bucks making the team and the city proud, it is time for the big guys to get things done. The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to bounce back from last year’s disappointing first-round exit to the New York Knicks. An undefeated Summer League team that brought home the Championship could bring some momentum into the season.
