Donovan Mitchell and The Cavs are no joke

Check out the companion piece for the NBA App on JB Bickerstaff's offensive coaching early in the year: app.link.nba.com/bentaylor_th...
Our first detailed film breakdown of the year highlights just what makes the Cleveland Cavaliers so dangerous. We look at their 4th quarter explosion against the Knicks that featured Mitchell's shooting and playmaking, Caris Levert's improved passing, and Evan Mobley's versatility that makes them so strong on both offense and defense.
Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
Podcast: player.fm/series/thinking-bas... or at www.stitcher.com/podcast/ben-...
Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by csus (instrumental)
#ThinkingBasketball

[@ThinkingBasketball]

Here's the companion piece for the NBA App about JB Bickerstaff's offensive coaching early in the year: app.link.nba.com/bentaylor_thinkingbasketball_

[@dat_black_gui1745]

What's scary to me is that Ben mentioned that they have 3 dangerous playmakers on the Cavs but, we've forgotten that ricky rubio is also on this team and currently recovering from injury. They are gonna be so much fun to watch this season

[@jacobconnell7191]

I'm really hoping he comes back from injury looking like his old self (idk how likely that is)

[@blackmanwhitesuit]

@@jacobconnell7191 This is like his 3rd leg injury in his career. I don't know if he can come back anymore. He'll offer good playmaking, but I think his scoring will suffer the most. My question is what did the Cavs do to deserve all this good luck, while the Mavs don't have anything PLEASE GIVE THE MAVS SOMETHING

[@variable57]

Rubio was the spark plug last year during the first half of the season before he went done. Cavs were playing solid then

[@sstavo_]

Fr he was playing so good to before injury

[@thefonzies6895]

@@sstavo_ when we had him we were top 5 in defensive and offensive efficiency. People forget how good a defender Rubio is. They only talk about his playmaking and scoring acumen. If he's back to himself he'll be on the court with Mitchell or DG. I believe him & DG had the highest plus minus of any gaurd combo in the league. him and DG had serious chemistry on the court together. Hopefully that continues ☺️

[@exquisitemeat5845]

Evan, last name Mobility, has been such a joy to watch. Mitchell's defensive rotations seem a bit crisper than they used to. All in all, a fantastic video about a fantastic team.

[@noblevenom2858]

Ngl I was expecting him to have more of an offensive jump and his defence hasn’t been AS good as last year. A bit of an underwhelming start for Mobley imo

[@Kingkam_77]

@@noblevenom2858 the best shooting guard in the league joins his team and you expect him to have more impact on offense? That’s not how it works, he’s getting better but the offense now has 2 elite level guards who can pass and create there own shot.

[@LonghornsLegend]

And they basically got Jarrett Allen for free imagine trading Dandre Jordan for him because KD wanted his best friend smh. All you need to do is have assets ready for when a superstar ruins a team

[@LonghornsLegend]

@@Kingkam_77 exactly. He's not gonna have the role or volume for that nor is it needed. His versatility is far more important

[@electricentity4660]

@@LonghornsLegend I want to also point out that, even though it's early, he's had a massive jump in efficiency so far, from 54.9% true shooting last year to 64.5% true shooting this year. If he bumps up his scoring average just a bit to 17 or 18 this year while maintaining a high efficiency, even if it drops a little, and continues to anchor a top 5 defense with Jarrett Allen, he should absolutely be an all star.

[@dreamsoda897]

The Cavs’ length is actually insane, the front office did a great job in finding such players

[@dusk6159]

It's unbelievable how much the Cavs deserved Allen while the KD-Kyrie-Harden Nets didn't deserve him in the slightest.

[@saiphen]

As a Buck's fan it's hard to not be distracted by how amazing the Cavs are looking right now. It's at least my second favorite thing in the NBA right now behind the undefeated Milwaukee team. Donnie has seemed so locked in. Defense/passing/offensive pressure have all been on point. He's making sure we don't ignore him any longer.

[@bigdawg4883]

As a Bucks fan you would know Giannis isn’t thinking about anybody..His mentality is winning a ring and who ever is is his way will get smashed like The Hulk Smash lmao naw but fr tho our back court with Giannis Help side and Lopez paint defense is on a different level let alone not even having Middleton

[@rafaelisslaam1894]

@@bigdawg4883 nah bucks are just front-running, they won't beat Celtics or Cavs in ECF

[@RonquixoteDIII]

@@rafaelisslaam1894 they’re front running without their second best player? Jeez how far ahead will they run with Middleton too

[@rickyisme1230]

excited for their matchup that should be amazing to watch Hope Middleton can come back soon though

[@bigdawg4883]

@Larry James how the many average at least 25 a game in the playoffs with great defense so tell me how..Did you watch the finals lol or even the playoffs when he was healthy.Sound like a bias fan of not liking the Bucks

[@gratitudedude4280]

I hope Donovan Mitchell keeps playing at this level. He seems to be doing better already since coming from the jazz. Looks more natural, not forced playing from him.

[@elliotdeltoro3319]

So glad your starting this season talking about the Cavs. Definitely a threat in the east, lot of young talent, and a very unexpected contender threat. Glad Darius is back, his high IQ and elite ball handling is such a pleasure to watch.

[@damonsta7760]

I like your inclusion of him rejecting the screen, just shows his ability to read the defense and make a good play

[@aymanyammine5741]

Truly the best basketball analysis channel on youtube. I really enjoy your videos. keep it up.

[@Dnero518]

Easily my favorite

[@zoulzopan]

The Cavs front office has made great moves man, really happy for everyone all around. Hope they go far in the playoffs since I really like Jarett Allen and Evan Mobly

[@TheRobins1m]

I said it after I saw their first game this season. They seem a really well balanced team. Good luck to them.

[@alexpisco1613]

Who did they play in their first game?

[@4_kevin]

@@alexpisco1613 Toronto, garland got hurt in the second quarter and the Cavs lost, only loss so far

[@vebwy]

@@4_kevin loss was only by 3 too!

[@alexpisco1613]

@@4_kevin so you making excuses already 🤭😂Anyways 👏🏼 you guys have an exciting young team. I personally think our first game with you guys had a playoff kinda atmosphere, it had a little bit of everything, including injuries lol 😂 It part of the game. Can’t wait to play you guys again.. Trash talk a bit 😂.0-1

[@thexalon]

They've been regularly getting 5 or more players in double-digit scoring, so yes, they're really well-balanced and deep. Their main weak point is at SF, but there are some decent role players there right now.

[@HobbesJnr]

"So the next TRIP down the court" as Randle stumbles 6:30 was beautiful scripting

[@papadoc331]

To be fair randle is always falling and tripping to the ground

[@rolandcampos1558]

I didn’t even notice it haha! Nice catch

[@Ze_Moose]

Nice 😂😂😂

[@flstep835]

This roster is so fantastically well constructed

[@jamesgraves9858]

As long as they stay healthy they are looking like a real contender

[@punchdreadnought8101]

whats funny is, Nets traded Allen and Levert away for Harden, and now Harden is not in Brooklyn anymore, which means Nets traded both of em just to end up with Ben Simmons, lol.

[@divinemattress]

Thinking basketball withdrawal is no joke. Thank you for coming back. We missed you so much ❤️

[@inordirection_]

They've been dropping a pretty fire podcast series the past couple months though. Like 10 hours on the top 40 players in NBA history

[@divinemattress]

@@inordirection_ omg I had no idea! Is it on KZbin or spotify?

[@inordirection_]

@@divinemattress not on youtube but spotify or apple podcasts, yeah

[@divinemattress]

@@inordirection_ thanks, I'll check it out!

[@Davivd2]

I'm happy that JB Bickerstaff finally has a team of young players who are not set in their ways. I can't wait to see one of these videos for the Trailblazers.

[@seanpowlesland1703]

Donovan has been awesome, he was fantastic against the Knicks

[@maxmeier532]

Donovan Mitchell about to become Russel Westbrook. Take that as you will.

[@nellyville69]

Donovan Mitchell has dwade speed with that mamba mentality tough minded and determined

[@six7bmb122]

So fun to watch , they all genuinely root for each other

[@xrxez-mp5016]

There is always something in your videos that reminds me just how beautiful the game of basketball is. That's why this is my favorite basketball channel on KZbin.

[@TopTakes]

Watched this and the Sporting Logically video about the Cavs back to back and it just makes me appreciate how good of a job you two but NBA KZbin as a whole does in covering the NBA. It is done better than any other sport covers anything else. Great work as always.

[@clawhammr666]

That's some beautiful basketball, props to the coaching staff and of course players, thanks for the excellent video and pointing this out to someone to watches games less and less.

[@BitsofJoshua]

Usually analysis videos make me feel like a lost idiot, but for whatever reason I followed this one perfectly. Impressive video, and an impressive team.

[@joshg9773]

Great video man I really enjoyed watching the whole thing

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

So you watched it In the 1 minute it was released? Lol.

[@Eggmancan]

I'm not the biggest fan of Don's playstyle, but he's exactly what the Cavs needed and I've been happy to see them get off to such a strong start.

[@thxrsdayofficial7463]

Damn you’ve really grown through the years. When I first subbed u were below 30k subs. All the small basketball channels I started watching in middle school really kept putting in the work and channels like you, rusty, korzemba. The only one that stopped was sdc. Great work bro. Hope u hit 500k soon

[@charlesfowler4308]

Yh, had Mike D'Antoni on the podcast the other week and I was like wow that's huge. Love to see it for such a quality channel, thoroughly deserved.

[@neilsmith9066]

Mobley has such a great Basketball IQ. Can't wait to see him 3 years from now!!!

[@ReCharredSigh]

Welcome back to the 2023 season, Thinking Basketball. Looking forward to more from you as always.

[@benrinehart7776]

Loving the new season. Loving a return of Thinking Basketball videos on my YT page. The Cavs look amazing this year, and with a squad this young, they'll be contenders for a couple years!

[@bdrip1k]

great to have you back man you some of the best basketball film breakdowns on youbtube and the cavs are legit contenders this year

[@The.Ghost.of.Tom.Joad.]

Cavs fan here. Since JB's taken over, they're fun to watch. I swear, watching their bench is like watching my kids and me at home. So even the injured and bench players are contributing: they leap, shout, groan at refs, and act like absolute fans. And that sparks the people on the floor. You seldom see that in an NBA bench. I credit JB. His two mottos-"Defense first," and "The strength of a team is THE team"-create cohesion and take the focus off of the iso-ball standouts like Mitchell and Garland and create an environment where EVERYONE can excel.

[@theodoranfilov5101]

When I first heard about Donovan being traded to Cavs I immediately thought thats a great situation for him. Great fit. Young hungry team with great defense and some lasers too. I watched Cavs against my Celtics and they are great. Mobley has potential to be next KG or smth. Donovan seems to be locked in and made some great extra passes and hustle plays. This team is a contender for next couple of years.

[@addm15]

Gotta love the Cavs lineup this year, rooting for them to get into the playoffs

[@RicoBanani]

my fav team this season. never liked the cavs as a franchise but with these players, how they assembled the team and the way they play im rooting for them

[@ucchuan5606]

Finally. Guys I have been waiting so long after last szn NBA finals for a new video. I can rewatch one video 3 to 5 times because of so much different principles on Court offense and players attributes that I feel very well-expounded in every of Thinking Basketball's commentaries Hope that you continue bringing the same level of fervent enthusiasm for the rest of 22/23 NBA games.

[@coledorillo6685]

I’ve been starving for thinking ball content. Caught up on podcasts and watched all vids. Cant wait for the new season analysis

[@DocJoby]

Great video. I'm definitely interested in a future breakdown of the dynamic between Garland and Mitchell on offense.

[@p-money33]

This won't show up in any box score, but Mitchell also brings a swagger to this team. Irrational confidence that flows through the team. And we know how well he plays in the playoffs. This team could do something very special

[@benhoward9572]

Thank you! I was needing a new video from you. Your work is awsome

[@bobbyadams2164]

Another great video from the goat in basketball content . please make videos on struggling teams like the nets and warriors and state what they need to correct .

[@ahadadesanya1733]

ON THE NBA APP?! Dude thats amazing how the NBA is giving you guys an even bigger platform. I'm soo happy to hear that!!

[@ziggle5000]

He's literally already had a video on their channel...

[@condoti]

Nice to see you back. Looking forward to a season full of your content.

[@renejimenez8329]

Great video. Solid insight throughout , future NBA analyst for sure

[@yanng.1131]

i literally checked your channel yesterday thinking to myself: damn why didn’t he post in such a long time? really happy to see this on my feed!

[@AlexBaller134]

Was waiting for your first vid of the season. Welcome back :)

[@Max-kw2hp]

Thank you Ben for another quality video

[@salmonenvelope8706]

The best ball video creators out there! Thanx Ben! ❤

[@gradycollins8196]

So happy the vids are back!

[@sidsche3734]

Hey Ben, great content as always! I was wondering, will there be a Top 10 Players video like in the last years?

[@ImMeE19]

I’ve always been a Mitchell fan. I was also a fan of the trio of DG, EM & JA. As soon as the trade went down, I knew this would happen

[@lyfepoetic]

Been waiting on a video from you lol . Cavs are no joke. Donavan is having so much fun in Cleveland.

[@davidkennard6071]

I’m glad to see JB getting some love! He’s doing a great job!

[@wilsonnguyen9481]

missed ur content sm Ben, most underrated channel out here

[@paraminderdhanota9810]

I love the work you do. Keep it up 🙂

[@immrlonelyihavenobody4176]

They’re gonna make it to the conference finals, mark my words 😤

[@IamnotfromUSA]

If they dont face Giannis before it they might

[@bossanova8856]

Problem is if they play the bucks, they got nobody that can slow Giannis down. Suns had that problems, Giannis was doing whatever he wanted in those finals.

[@Jaychilled]

@@bossanova8856 it’s unfortunate but Evan Mobley and Jarret Allen are gonna hold Gianni’s to 15 8 and 4 then Darius garland and Mitchell are gonna have Lebron and Kyrie like offense to win cavs the ring

[@IamnotfromUSA]

@@Jaychilled LMAO

[@quiteLargeTuna]

@@Jaychilled ehhhh idk I think Mobley need some more mass to be able to post up giannis.

[@bbuckets2932]

Great content can’t wait for some more!

[@wolvesnation6843]

Your vids are going crazy bro good stuff.

[@danielbachman9951]

I was just browsing through NBA games when the defensive play at 5:14 happened and I dropped my jaw! Glad to see it highlighted here.

[@igoreca221]

This is gonna be a really good season, a lot of good teams that wants to prove their value in the league, every night feels like have 3 or 4 games that you know is gonna be really good. Said that, love your videos, peace.

[@HandsomeMofoJo]

Excellent video bro. Great breakdown & info! Go Cavs

[@elibrooks6348]

Woooooooooooo THINKING BASKETBALL IS BACK BABY!!!! On a serious note glad to hear from you hope all is well.

[@BootlegBoomerangs]

Best basketball channel out there!!! Love your videos

[@nicholaspryplesh9396]

Excitedly waiting for the 2022 top 10 players evaluation!!!

[@JacksonSchrenk]

Great video man!

[@lgm_nyk]

Really enjoyed your thoughts them during the podcast. I completely agree with how lethal the Mobley/Allen/Love trio is, and with a bit more seasoning I think these guys are going to become a powerhouse in the East

[@djohnson2499]

Amazing how good they are and how YOUNG they are, Mitchell is only 26 and is the oldest of their major pieces (unless you count Levert too, who's only 28). Allen has been a defensive monster for years now and is still only 24. Not to mention that their core 4 guys, Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, and Allen are all locked in for the next three seasons, and Love's huge contract comes off the books next year which gives them cap space to play with too. This team has a championship core and has room to add talent on the edges. Masterclass of building a team.

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

Hey, you’re back! Missed your content!

[@LunyDR]

great work as always.

[@robmangeri777]

Plus Cavs team chemistry is probably unmatched! They are young and just getting better also. Look out!!!! 😎👍🏼

[@duboisstewart8265]

Love this, made me excited to watch a team i wouldn't normally watch. Please do a breakdown on the buck's hot start once their streak comes to an end

[@ashtondownes284]

love your vids man wish you’d post more 🐐

[@jetpackdd]

as a bucks fan they scare me more then any other team in the east

[@jahbrilplaysgamesandstuff326]

Best part about the season are these videos can't wait for player profiles

[@AtolaniOyewumi]

excellent breakdown, very insightful. where do you get these videos from?

[@yallugly4317]

Another season another slew of great videos 🔥🔥🔥

[@DrMuffin1080]

Hey Ben if you’re busy I understand, but are u gonna do a top 10 players of 2022 vid?

[@Justin-Trammell]

Really like that over-head camera angle, shows all the movement quite nicely.

[@bruskydu]

Spida giving more effort on D needs some recognition.

[@blackjacktrial]

If Donovan and Love are plus defenders, you have something special in Cleveland. Imagine if you made the finals vs GSW - I don't think anyone would be mad at Cleveland.

[@ayejdoe2167]

The GOAT back💯🔥 Nice video Ben!

[@330wiz7]

Cavs fan here. Don't know how I found your vid but was really impressed. You know your shit. Subbed

[@thevizbin4031]

Love watching theses vids while playing 2k

[@geekout1642]

Ngl "Love bomb" cracked me up 😂 Great vid as always Ben!

[@notjustin4605]

Drop the top 10

[@ABruhMan]

My favorite channel finally uploaded 🔥🔥🔥

[@Camdenro]

As a Bucks fan, the Cavs are the only other EC team that truly worry me come playoffs

[@nolimitmatthew211]

Don’t think u bucks fans need to worry about the cavs tbh u have Giannis the best defense in the league middleton a dude that can drop 40 multiple times in the playoffs and hit clutch shots y’all are the best team in the nba and jrue

[@user-jw9rn4lt4y]

@@nolimitmatthew211 cavs are the younger team so even IF they lose to the bucks this year they will only get better meanwhile the bucks are one of the oldest teams so they’re going to get worse. even then it will be a close series and cavs have the brighter future too

[@t4d0W]

LMAO. This Cavs team isn't playoff tested. Plus Giannis is always a HUGE equation that many EC playoff teams have to show they can solve or they get run and dunked on for 30/10s in April/May. Last year there were various teams that got to splendid hot starts but sputtered by January. The Celtics couldn't figure out who they were at this time and by January they had one of the best defensive ratings and you could see that consistent defensive intensity towards the 2nd half of the season.

[@awandenxumalo1844]

Was so happy to see y’all upload a vid, love y’all’s content.

[@davidleedom2683]

Great breakdown

[@TheMrBig8]

Mitchell playmaking underrated af

[@fhjunior6183]

Thanks for the vid

[@michaelbarnes2126]

Man where have you been Ben🤔🥳 Also I always thought that BJ Brickerstaff wasn’t that good of a coach and was blessed to get this job but he’s using double picks, pin downs and off ball screens. That is great use of those bigs and good enough offensive philosophy to take that group a long way in the playoffs

[@anotherdudeontheblock7061]

HE’S BACK

[@linusstammberger5272]

Good day. Thinkingbasketball upload

[@kashb5995]

When are we getting the next top 10 players list for 2022? Loved that series

[@TElias5]

fax he has to make it. he stopped making those for some reason

[@Burdascoobsti]

Love this channel

[@tranquilitybase6417]

Praying for Cavs health and will enjoy hopefully watching the guys go deep in to the post season - Would be AWESOME to have 2016 happen again!

[@Batman-em2he]

Yessss glad this is back! 👍

[@cheesehead7278]

Thinking Basketball is BACK!!!! Lets gooooo

[@KB-op9zh]

Been waiting on this video!!!! I thought JB shouldve been coach of the year last year but injuries de-railed that! If Cavs hold form this season it should be a no brainer! Also KLove as 6th-man... dont sleep

[@coulsonthurgood2840]

Are you planning on doing top 10 players of 2022?

[@ryanjohnson102]

You always deliver a banger Ben yessir!

[@DrVanNostrand01]

Absolutely love this Cavs squad. It's so nice seeing team bball in the NBA, these dudes play HARD every single night which is super rare these days. This team is incredibly fun to watch. Go Cavs!!