January 24, 2024 • 39 mins
Cavaliers legend Campy Russell and Cavs beat writer Joe Gabriele joins your host, Tim Alcorn, to discuss all things Wine & Gold at the season's halfway point.
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Speaker 1 (00:08):
Welcome to Calves HQ presented by bet Way.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Thank you for joining us on the Medical Mutual Cavaliers
Audio Verse. Here are your hosts, Tim Alcorn and Jim
Jones Tom the road.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
Good evening everyone, and welcome to caves HQ presented by Betway.
Tim Malcorn with you, and yes we are on the
road the Calves in the.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Midst of a four game road swing, and boy, so far,
so good.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
It has gotten off to a great start the Cavaliers
with wins in Atlanta on Saturday night, last night in Orlando,
and the overall winning streak has now reached eight games,
but two tough ones coming up Tomorrow night and Friday
night in Milwaukee. Great to have you this week on
caves HQ presented by bet Way. We've got a busy
(00:57):
show ahead. We'll look back on win last night over
the Orlando Magic one twenty six to ninety nine, and
of course for Jared Allen, a record setting night. He
now has the franchise record for consecutive double doubles. He
set that record last night with fourteen points and eleven rebounds,
his twelfth straight double double. So we'll look back on
(01:19):
that historic night. Cavalier legend can't be Russell will stop
by and pay so isn't always fun to talk to Campy?
And yes he's on the road trip with us. Joe
g Joe Gabriel from Caves dot Com. We'll stop by
as well, so we've got a lot of ground to cover.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Stay with us. Cavs HQ presented by Betway.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
We'll be coming right back after this on the Medical
Mutual Cavaliers Audio Verse. So one more rebound, Jared Allen
will set the franchise record for consecutive double doubles. There
(02:00):
is von Carrow r to the lane on a Corrol,
takes right, turns left, bads missed rebound Allen. There it is,
and the entire Caves bench is up and applodding Jared
Allen with a double double twelve straight games. That's a
Cavalier franchise record. We welcome you back to Cavs HQ
(02:21):
presented by bet Way, And of course an historical night
for Jared Allen last night, as you just heard in
that highlight, twelve straight double doubles. He now owns the
franchise record. He was tied with Elmore Smith going into
last night with eleven straight, but Jared last night fourteen points,
eleven rebounds, twelve straight double doubles. Congratulations Jared Allen. That's
(02:45):
a remarkable accomplishment.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
And for the Cavaliers, they are red hot.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
They have now won eight in a row, looking for
win number nine in a row tomorrow night. It'll be
a tough challenge. They had to Milwaukee to take on
the Bucks. We welcome you back to caves h Q.
And for the Cavaliers coming off a big win last night, boy,
they took a part the Orlando Magic in Orlando.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Won twenty six ninety nine. And after the ballgame, JB.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Bickerstaff talked about the win and Jared Allen's accomplishment.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
He's been awesome. I can't think of enough adjectives to
use to describe.
Speaker 4 (03:19):
Him, you know, just as a human being, as a
basketball player, as a teammate, as somebody that I'm fortunate
enough to coach.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
He's just a special person.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
And you know, again with you know, all the ups
and downs and roundabouts and you know things that have happened,
the adversity that this team has seen and fought through.
For a guy to just you know, will himself and
his team a willingness to do whatever it takes to
help this team win, uh and survive this while all
(03:49):
these things you know have been happening. Is just special
and he's a unique person and we're fortunate to have
him in our locker room.
Speaker 5 (03:56):
Something else and specialist have that his teammates want it
for him as well. What was the reaction like in.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
The locker room? Just they lost it?
Speaker 4 (04:04):
Uh, you know, he got the ice bath and everything,
but it's it's a genuine thing, and that's the thing
that you know, was most appreciated about this group. Its
like they don't care who's getting the opportunities or who's
getting the shine or whatever, whoever's doing their job.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
They just make sure they celebrate that guy doing their job.
Speaker 4 (04:22):
And each of our guys is focusing and thriving in
their roles, and ja is thriving in his role clearly.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
So that's JB.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Bickerstaff talking about Jared Allen's franchise record setting twelfth consecutive
double double. And here's Jared Allen to talk about his
accomplishment and his recent play.
Speaker 5 (04:39):
It feels good when I figured out I had eight
us kind of striving more for it, it feels good.
I'm always going to be in the record book. It's
in the stone now, so it's good for now.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
One of the guys who was so critical to your
development was on the other side of the bench, right,
what does it mean?
Speaker 2 (04:55):
Does it mean more to have him here in this
building when you do right?
Speaker 5 (04:59):
Absolutely them? After the game, I told him about it.
I told him it would be when we play him.
And it is a special moment when somebody sees you
grow from a rookie year in the NBA to see
where I am now?
Speaker 2 (05:10):
How do you explain your growth from that time to.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
Something me and Brett used to always say with him,
I was trying to build a foundation for a house.
You out there to build a sturdy foundation for the
last and now I get to build the house. Now
I get to figure out my passing game, my mid
range game, and become a complete player.
Speaker 6 (05:27):
How cool was your teammates reaction on the floor and
then when to get in here?
Speaker 5 (05:31):
It was it was really cool when I got When
I was getting close, you can hear him counting down,
and I can hear Tristing on the sideline cheering me on.
And then when I got that they were all cheering
for me. I didn't know it was that moment until
I heard them cheering.
Speaker 6 (05:43):
The biggest goal was to keep these guys out of
the paint tonight and held them to thirty four points
in the paint time. What'd you guys do, right?
Speaker 5 (05:49):
I just protect the room and we knew that that's
what they wanted. We wanted to limit them to a
lot of turnaround jumpers. I know Ben Cheryl still hit
quite a bit of those, but that's our shot profile.
So we executed the game plan.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
He stands out to you about the way that Sam
has elevated you guys on the offensive end.
Speaker 5 (06:05):
He's doing it consistently, I mean, and what we feel
like we can give him the ball every single time
and he's gonna make a shush. You know, in my mind,
he hasn't missed yet. So we're just gonna keep giving
them the ball, and it makes off makes defensive you know,
go out to him, close out to him. So it
leaves to think, White, though.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Have you decided what you're gonna do with the ball yet?
Speaker 1 (06:24):
Not yet?
Speaker 5 (06:25):
You know, I don't know. It's my first game all ever,
so yeah, so I don't know.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
You're going back to like college and Ice were going back.
I never wanted one.
Speaker 5 (06:34):
Hey, you know, but I feel like this is a
good accomplishment. What was the reaction when you came in here?
I'm so wet, so I still see the ice on
the floor. They got me with the ice bucket. They
were super proud of me.
Speaker 6 (06:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (06:48):
Yeah, just bump these with Isaac Copy all right.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
And another guy that had a big night in Orlando
but wanted to talk about, Jared Allen, was one Donovan Mitchell.
Speaker 7 (06:57):
He was a hell of a person, man Like just
to see the work he puts in on a day
to day basis, you know, it's it's great to see
the efforts that he's you know, putting into. Starting to
come to fruition with him, and to be able to
do it when you lose him on Hunters all defensive,
like f able to hold the fourth down for us,
set that tone for us, and it's incredible.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
You know.
Speaker 7 (07:15):
I'm happy for him, And you know the best thing
about it is he acknowledged it, but he's not satisfied,
you know what I mean. And the biggest thing to
him is to win. I mean, these don't mean anything
to him if we lose. And I think that's what's
special about him?
Speaker 1 (07:26):
You've talked about him a number of times being underappreciated. Yes,
what does he mean to your gut success?
Speaker 7 (07:31):
He means everything. You know, we look at what we've
been able to do. He's a catalyst. Like you know,
you'll talk about defensively that's easy. You know we could
see that, you know. But what people don't. I don't
think that's sarily understand is the screen set and to
get me up. Screens got and get maxed up with
his presence is his roles. They have to help on
the road and he say dynamic, Now I'm able to
pass to a cup.
Speaker 8 (07:50):
You know what I mean.
Speaker 7 (07:51):
Like there's there's so many different things to be able
to do. Nicehad and jump shots.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So that was Donovan Mitchell talking about the Cavs and
eight straight wins, the longest win streak now in the NBA.
They'll try to make it nine tomorrow night in Milwaukee.
We'll take a quick time out on Cavs HQ presented
by Betway. When we come back, Cavalier Legend Camp Russell
will stop by and pay us a visit. We'll have
(08:14):
that right after this on Cavs HQ presented by Betway
on the Medical Mutual Cavaliers audio verse back to Merril
open three, bang sit hand Merril back out front Merril three. Good, Sam,
EM's got another one.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Dang hands off Merril long three.
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Good.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Oh he hit it from tampwak Merril right corner three.
There's another one. Eight on the shot clock. Mitchell behind
his back to Meryl. Three.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
God Sadam Merril.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
He's feeling it tonight.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
We need to see Sam at cainebridgefield House All Star
Weekend in the three ball contest.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
Will you welcome you bag?
Speaker 1 (08:58):
It's cavs HQ Betway, all along the Medical Mutual Cavaliers
audio verse, Tim Halcorn with you getting Jim Jones with
the week off.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Jim recuperating nicely from a health issue.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Hope to have him back in the very near future,
not only on cavs HQ, but also on the Cavalier broadcast,
all along the Medical Mutual Cavaliers audio verse, and of
course a great friend of Jim's and alongside Jim, a
Cavalier legend, can't be Russell now joins us on CAVS
HQ presented by Betway and can't be. First of all,
(09:31):
we appreciate you spending some time with us, and boy,
when you hear a guy like Sam Merrill lighting it
up like Kurt and Marty just put together in that
highlight montage. As a guy who used to fill the
bucket in your own right, that's got to bring a
big smile to your face.
Speaker 8 (09:45):
Well, there's no question there. That brings a big smile
not just to my faith but to all the Cavalier
fans as well, because it's good to see a guy
who has put in all the work that he needs
to put in to put hisself in this position. And
there's no question in my mind. You know, if you
look at Sam, he has definitely did the work, gone
through all the paces, and he has gotten this opportunity
(10:06):
and he is definitely fulfilling that in terms of the
way he's been playing as of late. And we just
need him to keep and stay connected as we go forward.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
Campy, you played with great shooters, You've watched a lot
of great shooters. What makes Sam Merrill unique?
Speaker 8 (10:22):
Well, you know, when you say unique, that's an interesting question.
But what I see is a guy that I just
spoke about, is a guy who has really been putting
into work. You know, I think that is the uniqueness
of it all. You know, he understands, you know, his
his game. He understands how to make himself available by
moving without the ball. He's a good teammate, he has
(10:43):
great size, you know, so when you add all those
elements there and his ability to go out and compete
at a high level, he puts himself in position for
us to be talking about him because he's played outstanding
basketball for this team, and you know, he continues to
thrive in the system that this Cavity team has and
(11:03):
he has done definitely done a great job for this
Cavity basketball team at this particular point. And the thing
you asked early on was you know what makes him
so good or whatever? To me, it goes back to
just putting in the hard work. You know, Sam has
paid his dues and that is why he's taken advantage
of this opportunity.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
It can't be it's interesting not to go too far
down this rabbit hole. But I know you talk to
youngsters and you've been around a lot of camps, and
it's hard work. I mean, Sam Merrill hundreds if not
thousands of shots in the gym. I think young players
need to understand that that it's not just practices, it's
not just open gyms. You've got to work hard at
(11:47):
your game. And not every player is going to make
it to the NBA, but it's hard work and effort
that'll get you as far as you will go.
Speaker 8 (11:54):
Agret well, Tim, you know, there's no question that is
all about hard work. But I'm just not going to
leave it in the realm of just basketball. You know,
hard work is required in everything that you do, and
dedication and all those things. So there's no question that
Sam has put that in as relates to basketball. But
(12:14):
when you talk to anybody in general, particularly kids, kids
that expired uh has great aspirations for themselves. You know,
it can't be just so narrow. It has to be wide,
meaning that no matter what you commit yourself to do,
you have to put yourself completely into it and go
after it. And there's no question that's what Sam has done.
(12:35):
That's why I'm such a component of guys or whoever
it is and women anybody that is all about the
work that you put in, and when you put good
work in, you will good results. And that's what Sam
has done.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Well, that's a great life lesson boy, good stuff there
from Campy Russell our guests this week on Cavs HQ
presented by bet Way. Well, can't be the Cavaliers are
halfway home as far as the regular season is concerned.
A fifty in twenty six and fifteen through forty one games.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
The halfway point.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
I asked JB this question in his presser last night
before the Orlando game, But I'll ask you just to
kind of put a measuring stick on this Cabs team
at the halfway point.
Speaker 8 (13:17):
Well, when you say measuring stick, I think this cap
of the team has definitely made some big strides over
the last ten fifteen games. In my opinion, I think
this Cavalder team kind of took off. When you look
at and go back those ten to fifteen games or
whatever that may be, you look at Ja's production. To me,
(13:38):
I think that has been the key to this Cavaldry
basketball team in terms of Ja taking his game to
a whole different level. And what I mean by that
is just his ability to score the ball, rebound the ball,
make plays out there on the floor, having the ability
to put itself in the attack mode. And because he's
become more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball,
(13:58):
to me, that has definitely helped this Cavaldeer basketball team.
And because Ja is playing so well, the spacing out
there is superb for everybody. And again I think that
is the reason why this Cavaler team has really taken
a big stride in terms of sharing the ball, spacing
out the ball, having so many guys involved, and it's
(14:20):
producing at a high level. And when you get in
that kind of mode, you know, most teams, matter of fact,
all teams want to stay in that mode. And right now,
this caval the team is the great mode. They just
have to hold on to it as long as they can.
But I just like what this caval the team is
doing at this particular.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Point can't be I mentioned earlier. You're a Cavalier legend,
played alongside Jim Chones, and you've seen a lot of
the old school, classic big guys. Does Jared remind you
of the old school prototypical.
Speaker 8 (14:51):
Center, No, no, no, no, you know, because you know, Tim,
the game has changed so much. You know, the center
is not playing the center position as in the olden days,
in the days that I played, where the center was
basically a just like in hockey. He was a goaltender,
you know, he was always standing there, you know, no
matter what the situation is. And in today's game, you know,
(15:14):
they have taken everybody a little bit more album to
the floor. And I think that fits right within Ja's
abilities because he's very intelligent player. He understands his game,
he sees the floor extremely well. And now he's become
more of an attacker and he is attacking those bigs
that are playing against him and really got them backing
(15:36):
up and you know, kind of giving into Ja's aggressiveness,
his ability to rebound the ball block shots. So there's
no question, you know, Jaa has really propelled his game.
But when you go back and try to go back
into my day, it's a completely different game. It was
more of a brutality game back then. Today more it's
(15:56):
still brutal out there because of the speed that out
there on that floor, you know, back when we played,
because you can put your hands on somebody and the
center was always there, you know, it took away a
lot of that penetration. But now that the floor is
wide open now and the game has picked up, is
playing much faster now, it's a beautiful game and it
(16:17):
just continues to get better and better. You know, there's
a lot of people that talk about the differences. I
try not to get into the differences. I just look
at this as this is basketball and this is the
era that they're playing in. I cannot go back to
where Nate Thurman and the other great players were, But I
just look at it right now and Jaa is really
impacting this basketball team in so many different ways, and
(16:41):
to me, that is one of the differences why this
team has taken off great insights.
Speaker 1 (16:46):
Again, we're talking with Campy Russell our guests this week
on Caps HQ presented by Betway.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
We've got more with Campy, so you stay with us.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
We're coming back after this on the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audiovers.
Speaker 9 (17:04):
This week, the Cleveland Cavaliers will visit Cleveland Metropolitan School
Districts East Academy to host a CALVS Mobile Book Fair,
where they will help foster literacy and a love of
reading by distributing free books to students. At the two
day book fair, students will have the opportunity to choose
two new books at no cost to help build their
home literacy. Read to achieve CALVES in the Community is
(17:28):
brought to you by Discount drug March. We'll be back
with the second half of calves HQ presented by Betway.
Right after this on the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audio Verse.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
You're listening to calves HQ presented by Betway.
Speaker 5 (17:47):
Now back to the second half of the show with
Tim Alcorn and Jim Jones.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Will welcome you back, Cavs HQ.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
Great to have you with us on this Tuesday night,
and boy, it's great to talk about our breet hot
Cavalier basketball team. The longest winning streak in the NBA.
Right now, Cavs have won eight in a row. They're
two and zero on this four game road swing. Tough
challenge Tomorrow night and Friday night, as both games will
be in Milwaukee against the Bucks. Nice enough to stop
(18:17):
by and join us on Cavs HQ. Cavalier legend Campy
Russell as Camp. He had some great insights during our
first segment. We've got a lot more ground to cover
with Campanella. So Camp be, let's talk a little bit
about this team. And I mean that in the sense
of it's a true team. Darius and Evan go out
and yet this team, which is so tight knit, has
(18:40):
found a way to coalesce and win these basketball games.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
How have they done that?
Speaker 8 (18:45):
Well? When I look back at this team and you
look back at some other teams that has come before
this Cavalier basketball team, I think this team that we're
looking at in the twenty twenty four year is a
very good basketball team, a team that to me, when
you watch them on a day to day basis, you're
(19:06):
watching this team get better and better. And because of
the great spacing that they have out there on the floor,
because of the great tenacity and the chain where everybody
is connected together. That is a reason why this cap
of the team is playing really good, unselfish basketball. But
at the same time, they're getting a lot of productivity
(19:28):
from a lot of guys. The bench has been very productive,
the starters have been productive. I mean, you're getting everything
that you will want out of a team at this
particular point, and they're just playing magnificent basketball. And the
thing that I like about it also is their pace
has picked up. They're doing a much better job of
(19:48):
speeding the ball up the floor, whether it's by the
dribble or by the pass. You can see the great
spacing out there on the floor, which is allowing guys
to penetrate and kick the ball, and guys are getting
the ball in their rhythm and knocking down shots. You know,
you just look at what we're all watching. Really is
just beautiful basketball at this time. And the thing that
(20:10):
they want to do, as well as all of us
want to see them do, is to continue to stay
connected as a team.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
Camp be. Earlier in the show, Kurtin Marty.
Speaker 1 (20:19):
Ran a little highlight montage and one of the highlights
was Jared grabbing that rebound for the record setting double double.
And I mentioned in the call that the entire bench
stood up and cheered. They knew he was one rebound away.
Talk about team chemistry and how important that is that
every guy pulls for the other guy on the team.
(20:41):
You've been on teams where there's great chemistry, and I'm
sure you've been vaulted some teams where maybe there was.
How important is that team chemistry that everybody pulls for
one another.
Speaker 8 (20:52):
Well, chemistry is everything in any sport or even at
home at your own house. You know, if the chemistry
is not there, that's going to be a problem. So
as it relates to basketball, you know, when you look
at the you know the fabric of the guys that
we have on this basketball team. I think that speaks
to you know, Kobe Autman and jb in terms of
(21:13):
the kind of guys that we have drafted, the kind
of guys that are on our team, the guys that
are being productive on our team. I think it just
goes back to their personalities. You know where they come from,
what their mindsets are, and all these guys mindset has
seems to be that they're all pulling for each other.
They're all bringing their collective games and their collective attitudes
(21:37):
and their collective bodies to every single game, and they're
willing to do whatever is necessary to win a basketball game.
So for me, that is the ultimate team situation where
everybody is connected together and they are cheering for each other,
They're pulling for each other, and they are for each other.
(21:57):
And when you get into a situation like that, whether
you go back to the Mark Price and Larry Nance
and Doherty back in those days, those were good solid
teams that everybody was connected together. You go back to
the seventies when I played with Austin and nath Thurmon
and Jim Brewer and Chones and Footsy Walking Dick Snyder
and John Lambert, Luke Wittie. It was about relationships, it
(22:20):
was about being connected, it was about being for each other.
So when you have that dynamic going and you have talent,
you got a great thing going for yourself. And now
it's just a matter of just everybody continue to stay
in that mode.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
Well, I know the Cavaliers will say one game at
a time, but not going to look down the road
a little bit, just a little bit, as I mentioned earlier,
can't be we're only halfway through the season. But that
being said, once DG and Evan returned and hopefully this
good feeling as you just said, continue. So sure there'll
be a bumping the road here or there. But what
(22:56):
do you foresee with this team going into the second
half year.
Speaker 8 (23:00):
Well, you know, it's kind of hard to go beyond
where they are right now. When I say that, that's
the only way, that's the only thing I want to
talk about, because this is where they are at this
particular point. We won't know where they are until all
those those two three guys get back, and then there
will definitely be somewhat of an adjustment period, you know,
(23:23):
because I think that's just the nature of the game.
But I think and when I look at this, this
is still a team that everybody is committed to each other,
no matter whether you've been sitting on the sideline or
what the situation is U. So I expect this team
just to continue to go on down the road. Yes,
there's gonna be some adjustments that definitely will have to
(23:43):
be made, you know, but in terms of their attitude,
because of their will, because they want to continue to
you know, see the fruits of their labor by going
out and winning basketball games. Yes, there may be some adjustments,
but all they're going through those adjustments, they still will
stay with their bread and butter, and that is team first.
(24:08):
That is continue to share the ball. That is, continue
to play at a at a pace that we're comfortable at,
and that it allows everybody to continue to play their
game and give your teammates opportunities to continue to play
as well. So, yes, I believe there may be some
bumps in the road, but this team, long as they
(24:28):
have this commitment togetherness to team, to playing as a collective,
they can get through anything.
Speaker 2 (24:37):
Can't be last question for you before we let you go.
Speaker 1 (24:39):
I know you and everybody else not only keep a
close eye on the Calves, but the rest of the
NBA landscape, is there a team or two that's caught
your attention?
Speaker 8 (24:51):
It's kind of hard to say at this point. You know,
there's still a lot of good teams out there. You know,
the Celtics, you got the Sacramento Kings out there. You've
got the Pacers. You got some teams that have added
players and you know there's a chance that they could
become better. You still got Milwaukee Bucks that's out there.
I mean, the Lakers. You still got a very competitive
(25:15):
competitive league as a whole, from top to bottom. You know,
there's not too many very bad teams or teams that
are not being successful, I'll call it, And there's few
of those out there. But for the most part, you know,
I just feel that this Cavalty team has to continue
to be who they are, play the way they're capable
(25:35):
of plan and bringing that energy and keeping everybody connected.
But as it relates to any teams to watch at
this particular point, I'm gonna say, just keep your guys
on the Cleveland Cavaliers at this particular point.
Speaker 1 (25:49):
Guy was just going to say, in response to your answer,
there the Cavs have entered that conversation, There's no doubt
about it.
Speaker 2 (25:56):
Well, can't be.
Speaker 1 (25:56):
Speaking of conversation, It's always great to have chat with you.
We appreciate you stopping by caves HQ, and of course
I look forward to conversations as we get into the
second half of the year.
Speaker 2 (26:07):
But appreciate your time, my friend.
Speaker 8 (26:09):
Thank you Tim very much. Man. And anytime I can
be of assistance. I've always been a good teammate and
will always be one. So whatever is necessary, whatever you need, Hey,
count me in.
Speaker 2 (26:21):
Sounds great, Thanks Campy. That's can't be.
Speaker 1 (26:23):
Russell joining us on this week's edition of caves HQ,
presented by Betwag. Great insights from the Cavalier Legend. We'll
take a quick time out when we come back. Joe
Gabrielle they call him Joe g Joe gabriel from Calves
dot Com. We'll stop by and pay us a visit
and talk about this red hot Calves team that comes
your way.
Speaker 2 (26:42):
After this. On the Medical Mutual Cavalier's Audio Verse, here's
Mitchell coming right.
Speaker 1 (26:50):
Down to Lane Gerald step Oh my, he fake Bogner
right out of his shoes.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
Merrill fires it ahead to Mitchell. Mitchell came up, came.
Speaker 1 (26:59):
Under head to a caro who laid it in a
brilliant assist from Donovan Mitchell. Allen in the lane back
out front to porter order in traffic drive scores. Here's
allan Wow at the right hand, Jared Allen got the
pounds from Mitchell and crushed it.
Speaker 2 (27:17):
Welcome Back.
Speaker 1 (27:17):
It's Cavs HQ, presented by Betway on the Medical Mutual
Cavaliers audio Verse tim Elcorn with You. Road trip will
continue tomorrow night in Milwaukee when the Cavs take on
the Bucks. So far, so good, two and zero on
the trip, eight in a row overall, and that leads
the NBA right now as far as a winning streak
is concerned. So the Cavs certainly playing some outstanding basketball.
(27:39):
And a guy that's been on the trip and certainly
following the Calves all season long, Jog from Calves dot
Com who now stops by to pay us a visit,
and Joe, as I mentioned, eight in a row, and
the Cavaliers are now at the exact halfway point of
the season at twenty six and fifteen. I asked JB
before the game against Orlando to kind of eyes the
(28:00):
team up at the halfway point.
Speaker 2 (28:02):
Now, I'll give you that task. What do you think
of this team halfway through?
Speaker 6 (28:06):
Well, I mean right now they're hitting their total groove
and you look at what are the common denominators over
the successful streak, and the big one is jumping out
to fast starts right away. They're jumping on teams. There's
no catch up, there's no anything. They take their heart
out early and the rest of the game they just
turn up the defense. It's and also the sharing, the
(28:29):
assists numbers, the fact that everybody's getting involved.
Speaker 2 (28:32):
Right now, this team just looks as good as they
have all year.
Speaker 1 (28:36):
How remarkable is it to you that they've done this
without Darius Garland and without Evan Mobley, that they've been
able to withstand two serious losses.
Speaker 6 (28:46):
I think one big factor is Donovan being a playmaker.
You know, Darius is obviously incredibly talented, he's our leader,
he's our point guard. But Donovan has stepped right in
and guided the teams. He's been the player. He's also
grabbed a lot of the scoring load. And then Jarrett,
you know, obviously he's picked up a ton of the
slack without Evan, so really it's just guys stepping up.
(29:10):
They talk about the cliche next man up, but that's
what it's been.
Speaker 1 (29:13):
You know, it's interesting. There are so many different ways
we can take this interview. So let's start with Jareded.
Of course, he set the franchise record last night in
the game against Orlando twelve consecutive double doubles. But he
has really taking his game to a whole different level.
What do you see as the key to that or
the impetus to that.
Speaker 6 (29:32):
You know, when we came back from the last long
road trip, dropped the last three games of the road trip.
That game in Boston was really demoralizing, and the next
game when we got home in Atlanta, Jarrett went eight
for eight in the first quarter, and since then he's
just turned everything around. And you know, I asked him
(29:52):
in the locker room, you know, was there a moment,
was there something that was said? And he said, no,
I just when Evan went down, I decided I need
to my game up. And I think maybe with Evan
there that Jared was kind of maybe taking a back
seat or you know, maybe you know, turning his game
down a little bit. But you know, he said as
soon as Evan went down. As soon as the guys
(30:12):
went down, I made it a point to really be
more aggressive when Jared's aggressive.
Speaker 2 (30:18):
Jared, you see what's happening.
Speaker 1 (30:19):
Well, he's just been on a remarkable role all star level. Certainly,
Joel Embiid coming off a seventy point performance is going
to be the starting center in the East. But what
Jared Allen is doing is just amazing. Again, having a
conversation with Joe g Joe Gabriel from Caves dot com.
Of course you follow him on Cavs dot com and
the work he does is simply terrific.
Speaker 2 (30:40):
So Joe, let's delve a little bit deeper into this
ball club.
Speaker 1 (30:43):
You mentioned Donovan and his distribution of the basketball, and
it seems as though not only is he able to
take the scoring volume, but also facilitate And perhaps that's
something that we didn't realize about Donovan Mitchell exactly.
Speaker 6 (30:58):
I mean, he's averaging seven zero point three assists over
this over this ay eight game win streak, and he's
had two games in the past month or so of
career high assists. And I always kind of say that
Darius and Donovan, neither one is really a one or
a two. They're almost both one and a half's. That's
a great point. You know they're both they both can
(31:18):
really play both guard positions. And I think about Donovan
with the playmaking. I wanted to say this, and this
goes for Jarrett, and this goes for the whole team.
JB talks about this a lot. This is a team
that's happy for other guys' success, loves other guy's success.
I don't know if you know. I don't know what
other teams are like. But last night in the locker room,
(31:39):
Donovan didn't want to talk about himself. All he wanted
to talk about was Sam Merrill. That's all anybody wanted
to talk about. They are so happy for Sam, They're
so happy for Jarrett getting the record. In terms of
the basketball stuff, I mean, obviously, Donovan's a great ballplayer
and a great playmaker, but from a mental standpoint, he
wants everyone else to succeed. And I think that's a
(32:01):
great quality in a point guard and in a team.
In a guard, I should say, I don't want to
call them a point guard just yet. In a team
that they want each other to succeed, it's big, it's tangible,
it's so funny you say that, Joe, because last night
during the broadcast, as I was calling the game, I
mentioned the fact that newcomers to the Cavs like Max Drews,
like George Niang have said, this is as close to
(32:23):
a team as I've ever been involved with.
Speaker 1 (32:26):
There's a real camaraderie. There's a brotherhood, yes, with these guys.
They really root for each other. That was evident last
night when Jared got that tenth rebound.
Speaker 2 (32:35):
The whole bench erupted. They were keeping tracked. They knew
when that double double was coming.
Speaker 6 (32:39):
Yeah, I mean it matters, you know, especially in the
era of analytics, we get so into numbers and stats
and measurables. You can't measure heart and these things matter.
Speaker 2 (32:50):
Man.
Speaker 6 (32:51):
You know this team and it's a good bunch of characters,
and they love each other.
Speaker 5 (32:55):
You know.
Speaker 6 (32:55):
I asked Donovan last week, what is it that leads
to this camaraderie. He just said, it's the different personalities
that we all like it, that we're all good people,
that we like each other. He talks about you know
that Max never smiles, that.
Speaker 2 (33:08):
They even him. They kind of like that.
Speaker 6 (33:10):
But everybody And then of course there's a guy we
talked about George and Yang who brings who really brings
it all together, and he keeps everything loose, but he's
also having a hell of a season. So it's just
the It's a great group of characters who love each
other and they also happen to be really good ballplayers.
Speaker 2 (33:27):
And here's the thing that I want to ask you
about again.
Speaker 1 (33:30):
I brought it up last night during the game because
it's not the sexy part of basketball, but it's the
defensive end. Four straight games they've held an opponent under
one hundred points. They're now in the top three in
the league and both opponent points per game and defensive rating.
Speaker 2 (33:44):
What's been the key at the defensive end.
Speaker 6 (33:47):
Well, I think you got to start with Jarrett really
and I'll go to last night in that in that
Orlando was I think six or seventh in points in
the paint fifty four points a game. Cleveland hold to
thirty four points in the paint. I think the Kevliers
have enough talent. Where you were a shoot around yesterday,
the point was to stop them in the point in
(34:08):
the paint. Coach said, this is what we want to do,
and they did it. So they have the personnel, and
they have the talent and they have the game plan
to execute on the defensive end. And I think it
starts with Jarrett. But also, let's bring up a guy
who doesn't get a ton of pub. And two guys
who don't get a ton of pub is Dean Wade
and Isaca Corro, who are both having solid offensive seasons.
(34:29):
But if you watch them, if you isolate them on
individual plays, they're just excellent defenders, excellent team defenders, excellent
one on one defenders. So really it's the whole mix,
but it starts with Jarrett.
Speaker 1 (34:42):
All Right, one final guy to ask you about before
we wrap things up. Are you as stunned as I
am that Sam Merrill was hiding in playing sight as
far as what we needed for a long ball threat?
Speaker 6 (34:52):
Right, The word I use for him is a revelation
in that exactly he was sitting there this whole time.
Speaker 1 (35:00):
We just.
Speaker 6 (35:01):
It just guys in the NBA talk all the time
about opportunity. I just want a chance, I just want
an opportunity that it turns out that that's all Sam
Merrill needed. And also when you used to watch him
earlier in the season, he was gun shy he'd get
the ball he wanted to facilitate, he'd take his shot
if it was the last resort, if he was wide open.
He checked in the game last night. In three seconds
(35:22):
that ball was up, and you know what, and going
in what we've been talking about. His teammates tell him
shoot the ball, shoot it. We want if you take.
He took fourteen shots in Atlanta and they didn't blink
an eye. Take those shots. You're open, take the shot,
shoot it with confidence. And he's done that. So yeah,
he's been he's just been a revelation really.
Speaker 1 (35:42):
So to wrap things up, well, Joe g Joe Gabriel
on Cavs dot com be politicking for Sam Merrill in
the three ball shootout at Gabbridge Overall Star weekend.
Speaker 6 (35:51):
Absolutely, money Merrill. That's a theirs state in the locker
room last night, Money Meryl. You know the pushes on
pushes on man.
Speaker 1 (36:00):
Well, Joe again, always appreciate you spending some time with
me on Cavs HQ. Your insights, your coverage on Cavs
dot com is just terrific. So let's hope things go
well here in Milwaukee. That sounds great, and let's get
two more there we go. Joe Gabriel joining us on
Cavs HQ presented by bet Way. We'll take a quick
time out. When we come back, we'll put the finishing
(36:20):
touches on this week's show. Stay with us, it comes
your way after this. On the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audio Verse,
Mitchell works, left side, Mitchell fires right wing way three
ball up good Indeed, Wade having another hot night from
downtown as he ferries to three.
Speaker 2 (36:43):
He had five on Saturday. He's got three more tonight
and the Magic take time. That's gonna do it.
Speaker 1 (36:50):
For this week's edition of Cavs HQ presented by Betway. Boy,
there are fun shows to do when the team's writing
the longest winning streak in the NBA, eighth straight and
looking for nine straight tomorrow night, when they'll be in
Milwaukee to take on the Bucks. Of course, there's all
sorts of people to thank, starting with the Dynamic Duo
(37:11):
on the other.
Speaker 2 (37:12):
Side of the window.
Speaker 1 (37:14):
Actually tonight they're on the other side of the country,
but on the other side of the window, technical director
Marty Allen, along with senior producer Kurt McLoughlin, I want
to send out a great, big thank you to our guests.
This week had some great insights from Cavalier legend. Can't
be Russell can't be talking about the fact that this
Cavalier team has certainly entered the conversation insofar as they're
(37:36):
really good teams now in the NBA, and as you
just heard, some tremendous insights from Joe G. Joe Gabriel
from Caves dot com and again follow his work on
Cavs dot com. He does a tremendous job in covering
this basketball team and the Cavaliers in general. So thank
you to both Campy and Joe G. Now again, the Cavaliers,
(37:59):
the hottest team in the NBA having one to eighth straight,
will be back in action tomorrow night. It's the first
of two straight in Milwaukee, facing the Bucks Wednesday and
Friday matchups. Each one of those games will tip off
at eight o'clock. Calves come back home on Monday night
when the Los Angeles Clippers will be in town. So
(38:19):
the Calves will be back on Monday, but tomorrow it's
the Bucks, as the Calves will look for nine in
a row. So on behalf of Marty Allen along with
Kurt McLoughlin. This is Tamelcorn saying once again thank you
very much for listening, and from the road so long,
everybody
Welcome to Calves HQ presented by bet Way.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Thank you for joining us on the Medical Mutual Cavaliers
Audio Verse. Here are your hosts, Tim Alcorn and Jim
Jones Tom the road.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
Good evening everyone, and welcome to caves HQ presented by Betway.
Tim Malcorn with you, and yes we are on the
road the Calves in the.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Midst of a four game road swing, and boy, so far,
so good.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
It has gotten off to a great start the Cavaliers
with wins in Atlanta on Saturday night, last night in Orlando,
and the overall winning streak has now reached eight games,
but two tough ones coming up Tomorrow night and Friday
night in Milwaukee. Great to have you this week on
caves HQ presented by bet Way. We've got a busy
(00:57):
show ahead. We'll look back on win last night over
the Orlando Magic one twenty six to ninety nine, and
of course for Jared Allen, a record setting night. He
now has the franchise record for consecutive double doubles. He
set that record last night with fourteen points and eleven rebounds,
his twelfth straight double double. So we'll look back on
(01:19):
that historic night. Cavalier legend can't be Russell will stop
by and pay so isn't always fun to talk to Campy?
And yes he's on the road trip with us. Joe
g Joe Gabriel from Caves dot Com. We'll stop by
as well, so we've got a lot of ground to cover.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Stay with us. Cavs HQ presented by Betway.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
We'll be coming right back after this on the Medical
Mutual Cavaliers Audio Verse. So one more rebound, Jared Allen
will set the franchise record for consecutive double doubles. There
(02:00):
is von Carrow r to the lane on a Corrol,
takes right, turns left, bads missed rebound Allen. There it is,
and the entire Caves bench is up and applodding Jared
Allen with a double double twelve straight games. That's a
Cavalier franchise record. We welcome you back to Cavs HQ
(02:21):
presented by bet Way, And of course an historical night
for Jared Allen last night, as you just heard in
that highlight, twelve straight double doubles. He now owns the
franchise record. He was tied with Elmore Smith going into
last night with eleven straight, but Jared last night fourteen points,
eleven rebounds, twelve straight double doubles. Congratulations Jared Allen. That's
(02:45):
a remarkable accomplishment.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
And for the Cavaliers, they are red hot.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
They have now won eight in a row, looking for
win number nine in a row tomorrow night. It'll be
a tough challenge. They had to Milwaukee to take on
the Bucks. We welcome you back to caves h Q.
And for the Cavaliers coming off a big win last night, boy,
they took a part the Orlando Magic in Orlando.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Won twenty six ninety nine. And after the ballgame, JB.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Bickerstaff talked about the win and Jared Allen's accomplishment.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
He's been awesome. I can't think of enough adjectives to
use to describe.
Speaker 4 (03:19):
Him, you know, just as a human being, as a
basketball player, as a teammate, as somebody that I'm fortunate
enough to coach.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
He's just a special person.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
And you know, again with you know, all the ups
and downs and roundabouts and you know things that have happened,
the adversity that this team has seen and fought through.
For a guy to just you know, will himself and
his team a willingness to do whatever it takes to
help this team win, uh and survive this while all
(03:49):
these things you know have been happening. Is just special
and he's a unique person and we're fortunate to have
him in our locker room.
Speaker 5 (03:56):
Something else and specialist have that his teammates want it
for him as well. What was the reaction like in.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
The locker room? Just they lost it?
Speaker 4 (04:04):
Uh, you know, he got the ice bath and everything,
but it's it's a genuine thing, and that's the thing
that you know, was most appreciated about this group. Its
like they don't care who's getting the opportunities or who's
getting the shine or whatever, whoever's doing their job.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
They just make sure they celebrate that guy doing their job.
Speaker 4 (04:22):
And each of our guys is focusing and thriving in
their roles, and ja is thriving in his role clearly.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
So that's JB.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Bickerstaff talking about Jared Allen's franchise record setting twelfth consecutive
double double. And here's Jared Allen to talk about his
accomplishment and his recent play.
Speaker 5 (04:39):
It feels good when I figured out I had eight
us kind of striving more for it, it feels good.
I'm always going to be in the record book. It's
in the stone now, so it's good for now.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
One of the guys who was so critical to your
development was on the other side of the bench, right,
what does it mean?
Speaker 2 (04:55):
Does it mean more to have him here in this
building when you do right?
Speaker 5 (04:59):
Absolutely them? After the game, I told him about it.
I told him it would be when we play him.
And it is a special moment when somebody sees you
grow from a rookie year in the NBA to see
where I am now?
Speaker 2 (05:10):
How do you explain your growth from that time to.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
Something me and Brett used to always say with him,
I was trying to build a foundation for a house.
You out there to build a sturdy foundation for the
last and now I get to build the house. Now
I get to figure out my passing game, my mid
range game, and become a complete player.
Speaker 6 (05:27):
How cool was your teammates reaction on the floor and
then when to get in here?
Speaker 5 (05:31):
It was it was really cool when I got When
I was getting close, you can hear him counting down,
and I can hear Tristing on the sideline cheering me on.
And then when I got that they were all cheering
for me. I didn't know it was that moment until
I heard them cheering.
Speaker 6 (05:43):
The biggest goal was to keep these guys out of
the paint tonight and held them to thirty four points
in the paint time. What'd you guys do, right?
Speaker 5 (05:49):
I just protect the room and we knew that that's
what they wanted. We wanted to limit them to a
lot of turnaround jumpers. I know Ben Cheryl still hit
quite a bit of those, but that's our shot profile.
So we executed the game plan.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
He stands out to you about the way that Sam
has elevated you guys on the offensive end.
Speaker 5 (06:05):
He's doing it consistently, I mean, and what we feel
like we can give him the ball every single time
and he's gonna make a shush. You know, in my mind,
he hasn't missed yet. So we're just gonna keep giving
them the ball, and it makes off makes defensive you know,
go out to him, close out to him. So it
leaves to think, White, though.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Have you decided what you're gonna do with the ball yet?
Speaker 1 (06:24):
Not yet?
Speaker 5 (06:25):
You know, I don't know. It's my first game all ever,
so yeah, so I don't know.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
You're going back to like college and Ice were going back.
I never wanted one.
Speaker 5 (06:34):
Hey, you know, but I feel like this is a
good accomplishment. What was the reaction when you came in here?
I'm so wet, so I still see the ice on
the floor. They got me with the ice bucket. They
were super proud of me.
Speaker 6 (06:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (06:48):
Yeah, just bump these with Isaac Copy all right.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
And another guy that had a big night in Orlando
but wanted to talk about, Jared Allen, was one Donovan Mitchell.
Speaker 7 (06:57):
He was a hell of a person, man Like just
to see the work he puts in on a day
to day basis, you know, it's it's great to see
the efforts that he's you know, putting into. Starting to
come to fruition with him, and to be able to
do it when you lose him on Hunters all defensive,
like f able to hold the fourth down for us,
set that tone for us, and it's incredible.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
You know.
Speaker 7 (07:15):
I'm happy for him, And you know the best thing
about it is he acknowledged it, but he's not satisfied,
you know what I mean. And the biggest thing to
him is to win. I mean, these don't mean anything
to him if we lose. And I think that's what's
special about him?
Speaker 1 (07:26):
You've talked about him a number of times being underappreciated. Yes,
what does he mean to your gut success?
Speaker 7 (07:31):
He means everything. You know, we look at what we've
been able to do. He's a catalyst. Like you know,
you'll talk about defensively that's easy. You know we could
see that, you know. But what people don't. I don't
think that's sarily understand is the screen set and to
get me up. Screens got and get maxed up with
his presence is his roles. They have to help on
the road and he say dynamic, Now I'm able to
pass to a cup.
Speaker 8 (07:50):
You know what I mean.
Speaker 7 (07:51):
Like there's there's so many different things to be able
to do. Nicehad and jump shots.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So that was Donovan Mitchell talking about the Cavs and
eight straight wins, the longest win streak now in the NBA.
They'll try to make it nine tomorrow night in Milwaukee.
We'll take a quick time out on Cavs HQ presented
by Betway. When we come back, Cavalier Legend Camp Russell
will stop by and pay us a visit. We'll have
(08:14):
that right after this on Cavs HQ presented by Betway
on the Medical Mutual Cavaliers audio verse back to Merril
open three, bang sit hand Merril back out front Merril three. Good, Sam,
EM's got another one.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Dang hands off Merril long three.
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Good.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Oh he hit it from tampwak Merril right corner three.
There's another one. Eight on the shot clock. Mitchell behind
his back to Meryl. Three.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
God Sadam Merril.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
He's feeling it tonight.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
We need to see Sam at cainebridgefield House All Star
Weekend in the three ball contest.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
Will you welcome you bag?
Speaker 1 (08:58):
It's cavs HQ Betway, all along the Medical Mutual Cavaliers
audio verse, Tim Halcorn with you getting Jim Jones with
the week off.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Jim recuperating nicely from a health issue.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Hope to have him back in the very near future,
not only on cavs HQ, but also on the Cavalier broadcast,
all along the Medical Mutual Cavaliers audio verse, and of
course a great friend of Jim's and alongside Jim, a
Cavalier legend, can't be Russell now joins us on CAVS
HQ presented by Betway and can't be. First of all,
(09:31):
we appreciate you spending some time with us, and boy,
when you hear a guy like Sam Merrill lighting it
up like Kurt and Marty just put together in that
highlight montage. As a guy who used to fill the
bucket in your own right, that's got to bring a
big smile to your face.
Speaker 8 (09:45):
Well, there's no question there. That brings a big smile
not just to my faith but to all the Cavalier
fans as well, because it's good to see a guy
who has put in all the work that he needs
to put in to put hisself in this position. And
there's no question in my mind. You know, if you
look at Sam, he has definitely did the work, gone
through all the paces, and he has gotten this opportunity
(10:06):
and he is definitely fulfilling that in terms of the
way he's been playing as of late. And we just
need him to keep and stay connected as we go forward.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
Campy, you played with great shooters, You've watched a lot
of great shooters. What makes Sam Merrill unique?
Speaker 8 (10:22):
Well, you know, when you say unique, that's an interesting question.
But what I see is a guy that I just
spoke about, is a guy who has really been putting
into work. You know, I think that is the uniqueness
of it all. You know, he understands, you know, his
his game. He understands how to make himself available by
moving without the ball. He's a good teammate, he has
(10:43):
great size, you know, so when you add all those
elements there and his ability to go out and compete
at a high level, he puts himself in position for
us to be talking about him because he's played outstanding
basketball for this team, and you know, he continues to
thrive in the system that this Cavity team has and
(11:03):
he has done definitely done a great job for this
Cavity basketball team at this particular point. And the thing
you asked early on was you know what makes him
so good or whatever? To me, it goes back to
just putting in the hard work. You know, Sam has
paid his dues and that is why he's taken advantage
of this opportunity.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
It can't be it's interesting not to go too far
down this rabbit hole. But I know you talk to
youngsters and you've been around a lot of camps, and
it's hard work. I mean, Sam Merrill hundreds if not
thousands of shots in the gym. I think young players
need to understand that that it's not just practices, it's
not just open gyms. You've got to work hard at
(11:47):
your game. And not every player is going to make
it to the NBA, but it's hard work and effort
that'll get you as far as you will go.
Speaker 8 (11:54):
Agret well, Tim, you know, there's no question that is
all about hard work. But I'm just not going to
leave it in the realm of just basketball. You know,
hard work is required in everything that you do, and
dedication and all those things. So there's no question that
Sam has put that in as relates to basketball. But
(12:14):
when you talk to anybody in general, particularly kids, kids
that expired uh has great aspirations for themselves. You know,
it can't be just so narrow. It has to be wide,
meaning that no matter what you commit yourself to do,
you have to put yourself completely into it and go
after it. And there's no question that's what Sam has done.
(12:35):
That's why I'm such a component of guys or whoever
it is and women anybody that is all about the
work that you put in, and when you put good
work in, you will good results. And that's what Sam
has done.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Well, that's a great life lesson boy, good stuff there
from Campy Russell our guests this week on Cavs HQ
presented by bet Way. Well, can't be the Cavaliers are
halfway home as far as the regular season is concerned.
A fifty in twenty six and fifteen through forty one games.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
The halfway point.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
I asked JB this question in his presser last night
before the Orlando game, But I'll ask you just to
kind of put a measuring stick on this Cabs team
at the halfway point.
Speaker 8 (13:17):
Well, when you say measuring stick, I think this cap
of the team has definitely made some big strides over
the last ten fifteen games. In my opinion, I think
this Cavalder team kind of took off. When you look
at and go back those ten to fifteen games or
whatever that may be, you look at Ja's production. To me,
(13:38):
I think that has been the key to this Cavaldry
basketball team in terms of Ja taking his game to
a whole different level. And what I mean by that
is just his ability to score the ball, rebound the ball,
make plays out there on the floor, having the ability
to put itself in the attack mode. And because he's
become more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball,
(13:58):
to me, that has definitely helped this Cavaldeer basketball team.
And because Ja is playing so well, the spacing out
there is superb for everybody. And again I think that
is the reason why this Cavaler team has really taken
a big stride in terms of sharing the ball, spacing
out the ball, having so many guys involved, and it's
(14:20):
producing at a high level. And when you get in
that kind of mode, you know, most teams, matter of fact,
all teams want to stay in that mode. And right now,
this caval the team is the great mode. They just
have to hold on to it as long as they can.
But I just like what this caval the team is
doing at this particular.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Point can't be I mentioned earlier. You're a Cavalier legend,
played alongside Jim Chones, and you've seen a lot of
the old school, classic big guys. Does Jared remind you
of the old school prototypical.
Speaker 8 (14:51):
Center, No, no, no, no, you know, because you know, Tim,
the game has changed so much. You know, the center
is not playing the center position as in the olden days,
in the days that I played, where the center was
basically a just like in hockey. He was a goaltender,
you know, he was always standing there, you know, no
matter what the situation is. And in today's game, you know,
(15:14):
they have taken everybody a little bit more album to
the floor. And I think that fits right within Ja's
abilities because he's very intelligent player. He understands his game,
he sees the floor extremely well. And now he's become
more of an attacker and he is attacking those bigs
that are playing against him and really got them backing
(15:36):
up and you know, kind of giving into Ja's aggressiveness,
his ability to rebound the ball block shots. So there's
no question, you know, Jaa has really propelled his game.
But when you go back and try to go back
into my day, it's a completely different game. It was
more of a brutality game back then. Today more it's
(15:56):
still brutal out there because of the speed that out
there on that floor, you know, back when we played,
because you can put your hands on somebody and the
center was always there, you know, it took away a
lot of that penetration. But now that the floor is
wide open now and the game has picked up, is
playing much faster now, it's a beautiful game and it
(16:17):
just continues to get better and better. You know, there's
a lot of people that talk about the differences. I
try not to get into the differences. I just look
at this as this is basketball and this is the
era that they're playing in. I cannot go back to
where Nate Thurman and the other great players were, But I
just look at it right now and Jaa is really
impacting this basketball team in so many different ways, and
(16:41):
to me, that is one of the differences why this
team has taken off great insights.
Speaker 1 (16:46):
Again, we're talking with Campy Russell our guests this week
on Caps HQ presented by Betway.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
We've got more with Campy, so you stay with us.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
We're coming back after this on the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audiovers.
Speaker 9 (17:04):
This week, the Cleveland Cavaliers will visit Cleveland Metropolitan School
Districts East Academy to host a CALVS Mobile Book Fair,
where they will help foster literacy and a love of
reading by distributing free books to students. At the two
day book fair, students will have the opportunity to choose
two new books at no cost to help build their
home literacy. Read to achieve CALVES in the Community is
(17:28):
brought to you by Discount drug March. We'll be back
with the second half of calves HQ presented by Betway.
Right after this on the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audio Verse.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
You're listening to calves HQ presented by Betway.
Speaker 5 (17:47):
Now back to the second half of the show with
Tim Alcorn and Jim Jones.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Will welcome you back, Cavs HQ.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
Great to have you with us on this Tuesday night,
and boy, it's great to talk about our breet hot
Cavalier basketball team. The longest winning streak in the NBA.
Right now, Cavs have won eight in a row. They're
two and zero on this four game road swing. Tough
challenge Tomorrow night and Friday night, as both games will
be in Milwaukee against the Bucks. Nice enough to stop
(18:17):
by and join us on Cavs HQ. Cavalier legend Campy
Russell as Camp. He had some great insights during our
first segment. We've got a lot more ground to cover
with Campanella. So Camp be, let's talk a little bit
about this team. And I mean that in the sense
of it's a true team. Darius and Evan go out
and yet this team, which is so tight knit, has
(18:40):
found a way to coalesce and win these basketball games.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
How have they done that?
Speaker 8 (18:45):
Well? When I look back at this team and you
look back at some other teams that has come before
this Cavalier basketball team, I think this team that we're
looking at in the twenty twenty four year is a
very good basketball team, a team that to me, when
you watch them on a day to day basis, you're
(19:06):
watching this team get better and better. And because of
the great spacing that they have out there on the floor,
because of the great tenacity and the chain where everybody
is connected together. That is a reason why this cap
of the team is playing really good, unselfish basketball. But
at the same time, they're getting a lot of productivity
(19:28):
from a lot of guys. The bench has been very productive,
the starters have been productive. I mean, you're getting everything
that you will want out of a team at this
particular point, and they're just playing magnificent basketball. And the
thing that I like about it also is their pace
has picked up. They're doing a much better job of
(19:48):
speeding the ball up the floor, whether it's by the
dribble or by the pass. You can see the great
spacing out there on the floor, which is allowing guys
to penetrate and kick the ball, and guys are getting
the ball in their rhythm and knocking down shots. You know,
you just look at what we're all watching. Really is
just beautiful basketball at this time. And the thing that
(20:10):
they want to do, as well as all of us
want to see them do, is to continue to stay
connected as a team.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
Camp be. Earlier in the show, Kurtin Marty.
Speaker 1 (20:19):
Ran a little highlight montage and one of the highlights
was Jared grabbing that rebound for the record setting double double.
And I mentioned in the call that the entire bench
stood up and cheered. They knew he was one rebound away.
Talk about team chemistry and how important that is that
every guy pulls for the other guy on the team.
(20:41):
You've been on teams where there's great chemistry, and I'm
sure you've been vaulted some teams where maybe there was.
How important is that team chemistry that everybody pulls for
one another.
Speaker 8 (20:52):
Well, chemistry is everything in any sport or even at
home at your own house. You know, if the chemistry
is not there, that's going to be a problem. So
as it relates to basketball, you know, when you look
at the you know the fabric of the guys that
we have on this basketball team. I think that speaks
to you know, Kobe Autman and jb in terms of
(21:13):
the kind of guys that we have drafted, the kind
of guys that are on our team, the guys that
are being productive on our team. I think it just
goes back to their personalities. You know where they come from,
what their mindsets are, and all these guys mindset has
seems to be that they're all pulling for each other.
They're all bringing their collective games and their collective attitudes
(21:37):
and their collective bodies to every single game, and they're
willing to do whatever is necessary to win a basketball game.
So for me, that is the ultimate team situation where
everybody is connected together and they are cheering for each other,
They're pulling for each other, and they are for each other.
(21:57):
And when you get into a situation like that, whether
you go back to the Mark Price and Larry Nance
and Doherty back in those days, those were good solid
teams that everybody was connected together. You go back to
the seventies when I played with Austin and nath Thurmon
and Jim Brewer and Chones and Footsy Walking Dick Snyder
and John Lambert, Luke Wittie. It was about relationships, it
(22:20):
was about being connected, it was about being for each other.
So when you have that dynamic going and you have talent,
you got a great thing going for yourself. And now
it's just a matter of just everybody continue to stay
in that mode.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
Well, I know the Cavaliers will say one game at
a time, but not going to look down the road
a little bit, just a little bit, as I mentioned earlier,
can't be we're only halfway through the season. But that
being said, once DG and Evan returned and hopefully this
good feeling as you just said, continue. So sure there'll
be a bumping the road here or there. But what
(22:56):
do you foresee with this team going into the second
half year.
Speaker 8 (23:00):
Well, you know, it's kind of hard to go beyond
where they are right now. When I say that, that's
the only way, that's the only thing I want to
talk about, because this is where they are at this
particular point. We won't know where they are until all
those those two three guys get back, and then there
will definitely be somewhat of an adjustment period, you know,
(23:23):
because I think that's just the nature of the game.
But I think and when I look at this, this
is still a team that everybody is committed to each other,
no matter whether you've been sitting on the sideline or
what the situation is U. So I expect this team
just to continue to go on down the road. Yes,
there's gonna be some adjustments that definitely will have to
(23:43):
be made, you know, but in terms of their attitude,
because of their will, because they want to continue to
you know, see the fruits of their labor by going
out and winning basketball games. Yes, there may be some adjustments,
but all they're going through those adjustments, they still will
stay with their bread and butter, and that is team first.
(24:08):
That is continue to share the ball. That is, continue
to play at a at a pace that we're comfortable at,
and that it allows everybody to continue to play their
game and give your teammates opportunities to continue to play
as well. So, yes, I believe there may be some
bumps in the road, but this team, long as they
(24:28):
have this commitment togetherness to team, to playing as a collective,
they can get through anything.
Speaker 2 (24:37):
Can't be last question for you before we let you go.
Speaker 1 (24:39):
I know you and everybody else not only keep a
close eye on the Calves, but the rest of the
NBA landscape, is there a team or two that's caught
your attention?
Speaker 8 (24:51):
It's kind of hard to say at this point. You know,
there's still a lot of good teams out there. You know,
the Celtics, you got the Sacramento Kings out there. You've
got the Pacers. You got some teams that have added
players and you know there's a chance that they could
become better. You still got Milwaukee Bucks that's out there.
I mean, the Lakers. You still got a very competitive
(25:15):
competitive league as a whole, from top to bottom. You know,
there's not too many very bad teams or teams that
are not being successful, I'll call it, And there's few
of those out there. But for the most part, you know,
I just feel that this Cavalty team has to continue
to be who they are, play the way they're capable
(25:35):
of plan and bringing that energy and keeping everybody connected.
But as it relates to any teams to watch at
this particular point, I'm gonna say, just keep your guys
on the Cleveland Cavaliers at this particular point.
Speaker 1 (25:49):
Guy was just going to say, in response to your answer,
there the Cavs have entered that conversation, There's no doubt
about it.
Speaker 2 (25:56):
Well, can't be.
Speaker 1 (25:56):
Speaking of conversation, It's always great to have chat with you.
We appreciate you stopping by caves HQ, and of course
I look forward to conversations as we get into the
second half of the year.
Speaker 2 (26:07):
But appreciate your time, my friend.
Speaker 8 (26:09):
Thank you Tim very much. Man. And anytime I can
be of assistance. I've always been a good teammate and
will always be one. So whatever is necessary, whatever you need, Hey,
count me in.
Speaker 2 (26:21):
Sounds great, Thanks Campy. That's can't be.
Speaker 1 (26:23):
Russell joining us on this week's edition of caves HQ,
presented by Betwag. Great insights from the Cavalier Legend. We'll
take a quick time out when we come back. Joe
Gabrielle they call him Joe g Joe gabriel from Calves
dot Com. We'll stop by and pay us a visit
and talk about this red hot Calves team that comes
your way.
Speaker 2 (26:42):
After this. On the Medical Mutual Cavalier's Audio Verse, here's
Mitchell coming right.
Speaker 1 (26:50):
Down to Lane Gerald step Oh my, he fake Bogner
right out of his shoes.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
Merrill fires it ahead to Mitchell. Mitchell came up, came.
Speaker 1 (26:59):
Under head to a caro who laid it in a
brilliant assist from Donovan Mitchell. Allen in the lane back
out front to porter order in traffic drive scores. Here's
allan Wow at the right hand, Jared Allen got the
pounds from Mitchell and crushed it.
Speaker 2 (27:17):
Welcome Back.
Speaker 1 (27:17):
It's Cavs HQ, presented by Betway on the Medical Mutual
Cavaliers audio Verse tim Elcorn with You. Road trip will
continue tomorrow night in Milwaukee when the Cavs take on
the Bucks. So far, so good, two and zero on
the trip, eight in a row overall, and that leads
the NBA right now as far as a winning streak
is concerned. So the Cavs certainly playing some outstanding basketball.
(27:39):
And a guy that's been on the trip and certainly
following the Calves all season long, Jog from Calves dot
Com who now stops by to pay us a visit,
and Joe, as I mentioned, eight in a row, and
the Cavaliers are now at the exact halfway point of
the season at twenty six and fifteen. I asked JB
before the game against Orlando to kind of eyes the
(28:00):
team up at the halfway point.
Speaker 2 (28:02):
Now, I'll give you that task. What do you think
of this team halfway through?
Speaker 6 (28:06):
Well, I mean right now they're hitting their total groove
and you look at what are the common denominators over
the successful streak, and the big one is jumping out
to fast starts right away. They're jumping on teams. There's
no catch up, there's no anything. They take their heart
out early and the rest of the game they just
turn up the defense. It's and also the sharing, the
(28:29):
assists numbers, the fact that everybody's getting involved.
Speaker 2 (28:32):
Right now, this team just looks as good as they
have all year.
Speaker 1 (28:36):
How remarkable is it to you that they've done this
without Darius Garland and without Evan Mobley, that they've been
able to withstand two serious losses.
Speaker 6 (28:46):
I think one big factor is Donovan being a playmaker.
You know, Darius is obviously incredibly talented, he's our leader,
he's our point guard. But Donovan has stepped right in
and guided the teams. He's been the player. He's also
grabbed a lot of the scoring load. And then Jarrett,
you know, obviously he's picked up a ton of the
slack without Evan, so really it's just guys stepping up.
(29:10):
They talk about the cliche next man up, but that's
what it's been.
Speaker 1 (29:13):
You know, it's interesting. There are so many different ways
we can take this interview. So let's start with Jareded.
Of course, he set the franchise record last night in
the game against Orlando twelve consecutive double doubles. But he
has really taking his game to a whole different level.
What do you see as the key to that or
the impetus to that.
Speaker 6 (29:32):
You know, when we came back from the last long
road trip, dropped the last three games of the road trip.
That game in Boston was really demoralizing, and the next
game when we got home in Atlanta, Jarrett went eight
for eight in the first quarter, and since then he's
just turned everything around. And you know, I asked him
(29:52):
in the locker room, you know, was there a moment,
was there something that was said? And he said, no,
I just when Evan went down, I decided I need
to my game up. And I think maybe with Evan
there that Jared was kind of maybe taking a back
seat or you know, maybe you know, turning his game
down a little bit. But you know, he said as
soon as Evan went down. As soon as the guys
(30:12):
went down, I made it a point to really be
more aggressive when Jared's aggressive.
Speaker 2 (30:18):
Jared, you see what's happening.
Speaker 1 (30:19):
Well, he's just been on a remarkable role all star level. Certainly,
Joel Embiid coming off a seventy point performance is going
to be the starting center in the East. But what
Jared Allen is doing is just amazing. Again, having a
conversation with Joe g Joe Gabriel from Caves dot com.
Of course you follow him on Cavs dot com and
the work he does is simply terrific.
Speaker 2 (30:40):
So Joe, let's delve a little bit deeper into this
ball club.
Speaker 1 (30:43):
You mentioned Donovan and his distribution of the basketball, and
it seems as though not only is he able to
take the scoring volume, but also facilitate And perhaps that's
something that we didn't realize about Donovan Mitchell exactly.
Speaker 6 (30:58):
I mean, he's averaging seven zero point three assists over
this over this ay eight game win streak, and he's
had two games in the past month or so of
career high assists. And I always kind of say that
Darius and Donovan, neither one is really a one or
a two. They're almost both one and a half's. That's
a great point. You know they're both they both can
(31:18):
really play both guard positions. And I think about Donovan
with the playmaking. I wanted to say this, and this
goes for Jarrett, and this goes for the whole team.
JB talks about this a lot. This is a team
that's happy for other guys' success, loves other guy's success.
I don't know if you know. I don't know what
other teams are like. But last night in the locker room,
(31:39):
Donovan didn't want to talk about himself. All he wanted
to talk about was Sam Merrill. That's all anybody wanted
to talk about. They are so happy for Sam, They're
so happy for Jarrett getting the record. In terms of
the basketball stuff, I mean, obviously, Donovan's a great ballplayer
and a great playmaker, but from a mental standpoint, he
wants everyone else to succeed. And I think that's a
(32:01):
great quality in a point guard and in a team.
In a guard, I should say, I don't want to
call them a point guard just yet. In a team
that they want each other to succeed, it's big, it's tangible,
it's so funny you say that, Joe, because last night
during the broadcast, as I was calling the game, I
mentioned the fact that newcomers to the Cavs like Max Drews,
like George Niang have said, this is as close to
(32:23):
a team as I've ever been involved with.
Speaker 1 (32:26):
There's a real camaraderie. There's a brotherhood, yes, with these guys.
They really root for each other. That was evident last
night when Jared got that tenth rebound.
Speaker 2 (32:35):
The whole bench erupted. They were keeping tracked. They knew
when that double double was coming.
Speaker 6 (32:39):
Yeah, I mean it matters, you know, especially in the
era of analytics, we get so into numbers and stats
and measurables. You can't measure heart and these things matter.
Speaker 2 (32:50):
Man.
Speaker 6 (32:51):
You know this team and it's a good bunch of characters,
and they love each other.
Speaker 5 (32:55):
You know.
Speaker 6 (32:55):
I asked Donovan last week, what is it that leads
to this camaraderie. He just said, it's the different personalities
that we all like it, that we're all good people,
that we like each other. He talks about you know
that Max never smiles, that.
Speaker 2 (33:08):
They even him. They kind of like that.
Speaker 6 (33:10):
But everybody And then of course there's a guy we
talked about George and Yang who brings who really brings
it all together, and he keeps everything loose, but he's
also having a hell of a season. So it's just
the It's a great group of characters who love each
other and they also happen to be really good ballplayers.
Speaker 2 (33:27):
And here's the thing that I want to ask you
about again.
Speaker 1 (33:30):
I brought it up last night during the game because
it's not the sexy part of basketball, but it's the
defensive end. Four straight games they've held an opponent under
one hundred points. They're now in the top three in
the league and both opponent points per game and defensive rating.
Speaker 2 (33:44):
What's been the key at the defensive end.
Speaker 6 (33:47):
Well, I think you got to start with Jarrett really
and I'll go to last night in that in that
Orlando was I think six or seventh in points in
the paint fifty four points a game. Cleveland hold to
thirty four points in the paint. I think the Kevliers
have enough talent. Where you were a shoot around yesterday,
the point was to stop them in the point in
(34:08):
the paint. Coach said, this is what we want to do,
and they did it. So they have the personnel, and
they have the talent and they have the game plan
to execute on the defensive end. And I think it
starts with Jarrett. But also, let's bring up a guy
who doesn't get a ton of pub. And two guys
who don't get a ton of pub is Dean Wade
and Isaca Corro, who are both having solid offensive seasons.
(34:29):
But if you watch them, if you isolate them on
individual plays, they're just excellent defenders, excellent team defenders, excellent
one on one defenders. So really it's the whole mix,
but it starts with Jarrett.
Speaker 1 (34:42):
All Right, one final guy to ask you about before
we wrap things up. Are you as stunned as I
am that Sam Merrill was hiding in playing sight as
far as what we needed for a long ball threat?
Speaker 6 (34:52):
Right, The word I use for him is a revelation
in that exactly he was sitting there this whole time.
Speaker 1 (35:00):
We just.
Speaker 6 (35:01):
It just guys in the NBA talk all the time
about opportunity. I just want a chance, I just want
an opportunity that it turns out that that's all Sam
Merrill needed. And also when you used to watch him
earlier in the season, he was gun shy he'd get
the ball he wanted to facilitate, he'd take his shot
if it was the last resort, if he was wide open.
He checked in the game last night. In three seconds
(35:22):
that ball was up, and you know what, and going
in what we've been talking about. His teammates tell him
shoot the ball, shoot it. We want if you take.
He took fourteen shots in Atlanta and they didn't blink
an eye. Take those shots. You're open, take the shot,
shoot it with confidence. And he's done that. So yeah,
he's been he's just been a revelation really.
Speaker 1 (35:42):
So to wrap things up, well, Joe g Joe Gabriel
on Cavs dot com be politicking for Sam Merrill in
the three ball shootout at Gabbridge Overall Star weekend.
Speaker 6 (35:51):
Absolutely, money Merrill. That's a theirs state in the locker
room last night, Money Meryl. You know the pushes on
pushes on man.
Speaker 1 (36:00):
Well, Joe again, always appreciate you spending some time with
me on Cavs HQ. Your insights, your coverage on Cavs
dot com is just terrific. So let's hope things go
well here in Milwaukee. That sounds great, and let's get
two more there we go. Joe Gabriel joining us on
Cavs HQ presented by bet Way. We'll take a quick
time out. When we come back, we'll put the finishing
(36:20):
touches on this week's show. Stay with us, it comes
your way after this. On the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audio Verse,
Mitchell works, left side, Mitchell fires right wing way three
ball up good Indeed, Wade having another hot night from
downtown as he ferries to three.
Speaker 2 (36:43):
He had five on Saturday. He's got three more tonight
and the Magic take time. That's gonna do it.
Speaker 1 (36:50):
For this week's edition of Cavs HQ presented by Betway. Boy,
there are fun shows to do when the team's writing
the longest winning streak in the NBA, eighth straight and
looking for nine straight tomorrow night, when they'll be in
Milwaukee to take on the Bucks. Of course, there's all
sorts of people to thank, starting with the Dynamic Duo
(37:11):
on the other.
Speaker 2 (37:12):
Side of the window.
Speaker 1 (37:14):
Actually tonight they're on the other side of the country,
but on the other side of the window, technical director
Marty Allen, along with senior producer Kurt McLoughlin, I want
to send out a great, big thank you to our guests.
This week had some great insights from Cavalier legend. Can't
be Russell can't be talking about the fact that this
Cavalier team has certainly entered the conversation insofar as they're
(37:36):
really good teams now in the NBA, and as you
just heard, some tremendous insights from Joe G. Joe Gabriel
from Caves dot com and again follow his work on
Cavs dot com. He does a tremendous job in covering
this basketball team and the Cavaliers in general. So thank
you to both Campy and Joe G. Now again, the Cavaliers,
(37:59):
the hottest team in the NBA having one to eighth straight,
will be back in action tomorrow night. It's the first
of two straight in Milwaukee, facing the Bucks Wednesday and
Friday matchups. Each one of those games will tip off
at eight o'clock. Calves come back home on Monday night
when the Los Angeles Clippers will be in town. So
(38:19):
the Calves will be back on Monday, but tomorrow it's
the Bucks, as the Calves will look for nine in
a row. So on behalf of Marty Allen along with
Kurt McLoughlin. This is Tamelcorn saying once again thank you
very much for listening, and from the road so long,
everybody
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