Deadspin | Cole Ragans eager to lead Royals to series win vs. Guardians Apr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Cole Ragans will look to guide the visiting Kansas City Royals to a series victory when he starts Wednesday afternoon’s game against fellow left-hander Joey Cantillo and the Cleveland Guardians. Ragans (0-2, 3.60 ERA) allowed an unearned run over six innings in his previous start, a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. He has 13 strikeouts in two starts so far, although he allowed three home runs to the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day. Ragans made the American League All-Star team in 2024 but was limited to 13 starts a season ago because of a groin strain in April and a rotator-cuff strain in June. “I thought he locked it in as he went more and more,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Ragans’ most recent start. “We’re going to take that result every time — six innings. And it looked like he was probably going to get five, but then the fourth, fifth and sixth were really good.” Ragans owns a 1-2 record with a 4.44 ERA and 26 strikeouts and eight walks in five career appearances (all starts) against the Guardians. Star slugger Jose Ramírez is 1-for-13 with a double and four strikeouts against Ragans. After breaking through in 2025 as an effective swing man, Cantillo (0-0, 3.00 ERA) figures to be a key cog in the rotation for Cleveland this season. He allowed one run and four hits while striking out six over 5 1/3 innings in his previous start, against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The Guardians have won both of his starts. Cantillo told reporters he’s been trying to get his changeup in better form. It didn’t always feel right against the Cubs, he said. “That was definitely a focal point,” Cantillo said. “Like, ‘hey, let’s throw it regardless of how the first couple end up. It’s a pitch we’ve got to throw, so keep throwing it and make the adjustment with it.” Cantillo is 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA in five career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. He pitched eight shutout innings against the Royals on Sept. 9, and he has allowed no more than two earned runs in any of his past nine starts dating to last season. Cleveland squared this series with a 2-1 victory on Tuesday afternoon, thanks to a walk-off RBI single by Brayan Rocchio in the ninth inning. Rookie infielder Juan Brito made his major league debut and finished with two hits, including a double. Cleveland added Brito to the active roster after placing Gabriel Arias on the 10-day injured list with a strained hamstring. “Getting the first hit was a fantastic moment that’s been a dream of mine since I was a child,” Brito told Guardians TV via a translator. The Royals mustered just one hit against the Guardians, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning. Cleveland pitchers combined to strike out 14 batters (and walk eight), with the Royals stranding seven runners. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said both pitching staffs had “gutsy” performances because of temperatures in the low 30s. The first pitch was moved ahead five hours because of an even chillier night-time forecast. “It was a tough day to pitch, a tough day to get feel,” Vogt said. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cole #Ragans #eager #lead #Royals #series #win #Guardians

Deadspin | Cole Ragans eager to lead Royals to series win vs. Guardians
Apr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Cole Ragans will look to guide the visiting Kansas City Royals to a series victory when he starts Wednesday afternoon’s game against fellow left-hander Joey Cantillo and the Cleveland Guardians.

Ragans (0-2, 3.60 ERA) allowed an unearned run over six innings in his previous start, a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. He has 13 strikeouts in two starts so far, although he allowed three home runs to the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day.

Ragans made the American League All-Star team in 2024 but was limited to 13 starts a season ago because of a groin strain in April and a rotator-cuff strain in June.

“I thought he locked it in as he went more and more,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Ragans’ most recent start. “We’re going to take that result every time — six innings. And it looked like he was probably going to get five, but then the fourth, fifth and sixth were really good.”

Ragans owns a 1-2 record with a 4.44 ERA and 26 strikeouts and eight walks in five career appearances (all starts) against the Guardians. Star slugger Jose Ramírez is 1-for-13 with a double and four strikeouts against Ragans.

After breaking through in 2025 as an effective swing man, Cantillo (0-0, 3.00 ERA) figures to be a key cog in the rotation for Cleveland this season. He allowed one run and four hits while striking out six over 5 1/3 innings in his previous start, against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The Guardians have won both of his starts.

Cantillo told reporters he’s been trying to get his changeup in better form. It didn’t always feel right against the Cubs, he said.

“That was definitely a focal point,” Cantillo said. “Like, ‘hey, let’s throw it regardless of how the first couple end up. It’s a pitch we’ve got to throw, so keep throwing it and make the adjustment with it.”

Cantillo is 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA in five career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. He pitched eight shutout innings against the Royals on Sept. 9, and he has allowed no more than two earned runs in any of his past nine starts dating to last season.

Cleveland squared this series with a 2-1 victory on Tuesday afternoon, thanks to a walk-off RBI single by Brayan Rocchio in the ninth inning.

Rookie infielder Juan Brito made his major league debut and finished with two hits, including a double. Cleveland added Brito to the active roster after placing Gabriel Arias on the 10-day injured list with a strained hamstring.

“Getting the first hit was a fantastic moment that’s been a dream of mine since I was a child,” Brito told Guardians TV via a translator.

The Royals mustered just one hit against the Guardians, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning. Cleveland pitchers combined to strike out 14 batters (and walk eight), with the Royals stranding seven runners.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said both pitching staffs had “gutsy” performances because of temperatures in the low 30s. The first pitch was moved ahead five hours because of an even chillier night-time forecast.

“It was a tough day to pitch, a tough day to get feel,” Vogt said.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cole #Ragans #eager #lead #Royals #series #win #Guardians

Sports news April 8, 2026

Apr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Cole Ragans will look to guide the visiting Kansas City Royals to a series victory when he starts Wednesday afternoon’s game against fellow left-hander Joey Cantillo and the Cleveland Guardians.

Ragans (0-2, 3.60 ERA) allowed an unearned run over six innings in his previous start, a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. He has 13 strikeouts in two starts so far, although he allowed three home runs to the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day.

Ragans made the American League All-Star team in 2024 but was limited to 13 starts a season ago because of a groin strain in April and a rotator-cuff strain in June.

“I thought he locked it in as he went more and more,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Ragans’ most recent start. “We’re going to take that result every time — six innings. And it looked like he was probably going to get five, but then the fourth, fifth and sixth were really good.”

Ragans owns a 1-2 record with a 4.44 ERA and 26 strikeouts and eight walks in five career appearances (all starts) against the Guardians. Star slugger Jose Ramírez is 1-for-13 with a double and four strikeouts against Ragans.

After breaking through in 2025 as an effective swing man, Cantillo (0-0, 3.00 ERA) figures to be a key cog in the rotation for Cleveland this season. He allowed one run and four hits while striking out six over 5 1/3 innings in his previous start, against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The Guardians have won both of his starts.

Cantillo told reporters he’s been trying to get his changeup in better form. It didn’t always feel right against the Cubs, he said.

“That was definitely a focal point,” Cantillo said. “Like, ‘hey, let’s throw it regardless of how the first couple end up. It’s a pitch we’ve got to throw, so keep throwing it and make the adjustment with it.”

Cantillo is 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA in five career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. He pitched eight shutout innings against the Royals on Sept. 9, and he has allowed no more than two earned runs in any of his past nine starts dating to last season.

Cleveland squared this series with a 2-1 victory on Tuesday afternoon, thanks to a walk-off RBI single by Brayan Rocchio in the ninth inning.

Rookie infielder Juan Brito made his major league debut and finished with two hits, including a double. Cleveland added Brito to the active roster after placing Gabriel Arias on the 10-day injured list with a strained hamstring.

“Getting the first hit was a fantastic moment that’s been a dream of mine since I was a child,” Brito told Guardians TV via a translator.

The Royals mustered just one hit against the Guardians, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning. Cleveland pitchers combined to strike out 14 batters (and walk eight), with the Royals stranding seven runners.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said both pitching staffs had “gutsy” performances because of temperatures in the low 30s. The first pitch was moved ahead five hours because of an even chillier night-time forecast.

“It was a tough day to pitch, a tough day to get feel,” Vogt said.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Cole #Ragans #eager #lead #Royals #series #win #Guardians

Oregon coach asks recruits about their favorite ice cream, and it actually makes sense <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Player evaluation is an inexact science, at best.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">For example, we are just over two weeks away from the 2026 NFL Draft, an endeavor where 32 professional teams, with every resource at their disposal, will still make mistakes after months and months of work. While there are many reasons players do not pan out at the next level, they often stem from what cannot always be seen on film, and rather what is inside that player mentally, and emotionally.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Which is why this moment from Oregon quarterback coach Koa Ka’ai stands out.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Ka’ai met the media recently, and was asked a question about evaluating potential recruits. The coach outlined how that evaluation, from his standpoint, often involves a non-football question.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">What flavor of ice cream does the recruit prefer, chocolate or vanilla?</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Now, Ka’ai does not care what flavor they pick, but he cares that they make a pick at all. He cares that they do not hesitate, and that they show conviction:</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">A quarterback wears many hats on a football team, but one of the ways to think about the position is this way: They need to diagnose and decide. A quarterback as to diagnose what a defense is doing on a particular play and then decide what to do with the football.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Of course, that process happens while some rather large people on the other side of the line of scrimmage are trying to put them in the hospital.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">As Ka’ai noted, “right, wrong, or indifferent” you need to have some kind of “conviction.” If a quarterback gets caught thinking between chocolate or vanilla in a meeting room in June, what will happen on 3rd-and-7 with a pair of linebackers walked up in the A-Gaps?</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Take what Terry Shea, whose coaching lineage includes Trent Green, Matthew Stafford, and Sam Bradford among others, had to say about the position in his fantastic book <em>Eyes Up:</em></p></div><div><blockquote class="duet--article--blockquote _1teeyfa0 ls9zuh9"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1">It can be argued that toughness — mental and physical — is as important as talent of self-confidence. One of the most challenging factors about quarterbacking is adjusting to the mental and emotional pressure. The pressure can be enormous in games at all levels. As the game unfolds, a quarterback’s mental toughness is keenly tested. To hang in there when you are worn down and your body hurts. To possess the nerve to release the ball with anticipation. To keep getting up after each hit. To keep coming back. To refuse to lose. This is how mental toughness is defined. A mentally tough quarterback produces the poise to play well in pressure situations and that is a defining virtue of quarterback play.</p></blockquote></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Or consider what none other than Bill Walsh wrote about quarterback play in his book <em>Finding the Winning Edge:</em></p></div><div><blockquote class="duet--article--blockquote _1teeyfa0 ls9zuh9"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1">A quarterback must have the ability to handle the stress and pressures that occur during the game. He must be able to control his emotions to a point where he can think clearly, evaluate his options, and act rationally, regardless of the situation. Similar to other aspects of quarterbacking, within a reasonable period of time, an athlete will either show that he can deal with his emotions properly within the framework of the game or demonstrate to the coaching staff (by his actions) that further effort in this regard is a waste of time.</p></blockquote></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Being decisive is a huge part of quarterback play, as is mental toughness.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">If it takes a question about ice cream to try and solve that particular riddle in evaluating a player, so be it.</p></div> #Oregon #coach #asks #recruits #favorite #ice #cream #sense

Why Harry Potter’s First Episode Is Taking Over The World (Now Streaming On HBO Max)

#CSK #headtohead #record #IPL #Delhi #Capitals #Chennai #Super #Kings #stats #runs #wickets">

DC vs CSK head-to-head record, IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings stats, runs, wickets Delhi Capitals will host Chennai Super Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday. Both teams have won four out of the nine games they have played.In the reverse fixture, CSK beat DC by 23 runs in Chennai.Here are the complete stats and head-to-head numbers you need to know before the teams face off:
DC vs CSK Head-to-Head Record in IPL

Matches Played: 32

Delhi Capitals: 12

Chennai Super Kings: 20
MOST RUNS IN DC vs CSK IPL MATCHES Batter Innings Runs Average Strike Rate HS MS Dhoni 29 696 38.66 142.04 63* Suresh Raina 22 552 29.05 132.05 59 Shikhar Dhawan 10 433 54.12 136.16 101* Rishabh Pant 11 375 46.87 156.9 79 Murali Vijay 12 346 34.6 136.22 113MOST WICKETS IN DC vs CSK IPL MATCHES Bowler Innings Wickets Economy Average BBI Ravichandran Ashwin 17 19 6.52 21 3/23 Dwayne Bravo 17 19 8.06 22.42 3/33 Ravindra Jadeja 20 19 7.75 25.78 3/9 Deepak Chahar 12 13 8.06 26.69 3/22 Albie Morkel 14 13 8.29 29.76 3/32Published on May 04, 2026 #CSK #headtohead #record #IPL #Delhi #Capitals #Chennai #Super #Kings #stats #runs #wickets

mwasimuddin125 0

Delhi Capitals will host Chennai Super Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday. Both teams have won four out of the nine games they have played.
In the reverse fixture, CSK beat DC by 23 runs in Chennai.
Here are the complete stats and head-to-head numbers you need to know before the teams face off:
DC vs CSK Head-to-Head Record in IPL
Matches Played: 32
Delhi Capitals: 12
Chennai Super Kings: 20
MOST RUNS IN DC vs CSK IPL MATCHES
Batter Innings Runs Average Strike Rate HS
MS Dhoni 29 696 38.66 142.04 63*
Suresh Raina 22 552 29.05 132.05 59
Shikhar Dhawan 10 433 54.12 136.16 101*
Rishabh Pant 11 375 46.87 156.9 79
Murali Vijay 12 346 34.6 136.22 113
MOST WICKETS IN DC vs CSK IPL MATCHES
Bowler Innings Wickets Economy Average BBI
Ravichandran Ashwin 17 19 6.52 21 3/23
Dwayne Bravo 17 19 8.06 22.42 3/33
Ravindra Jadeja 20 19 7.75 25.78 3/9
Deepak Chahar 12 13 8.06 26.69 3/22
Albie Morkel 14 13 8.29 29.76 3/32
Published on May 04, 2026

#CSK #headtohead #record #IPL #Delhi #Capitals #Chennai #Super #Kings #stats #runs #wickets">DC vs CSK head-to-head record, IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings stats, runs, wickets

Delhi Capitals will host Chennai Super Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday. Both teams have won four out of the nine games they have played.

In the reverse fixture, CSK beat DC by 23 runs in Chennai.

Here are the complete stats and head-to-head numbers you need to know before the teams face off:

DC vs CSK Head-to-Head Record in IPL

Matches Played: 32

Delhi Capitals: 12

Chennai Super Kings: 20

MOST RUNS IN DC vs CSK IPL MATCHES

Batter	Innings	Runs	Average	Strike Rate	HS
MS Dhoni	29	696	38.66	142.04	63*
Suresh Raina	22	552	29.05	132.05	59
Shikhar Dhawan	10	433	54.12	136.16	101*
Rishabh Pant	11	375	46.87	156.9	79
Murali Vijay	12	346	34.6	136.22	113

MOST WICKETS IN DC vs CSK IPL MATCHES

Bowler	Innings	Wickets	Economy	Average	BBI
Ravichandran Ashwin	17	19	6.52	21	3/23
Dwayne Bravo	17	19	8.06	22.42	3/33
Ravindra Jadeja	20	19	7.75	25.78	3/9
Deepak Chahar	12	13	8.06	26.69	3/22
Albie Morkel	14	13	8.29	29.76	3/32

Published on May 04, 2026

#CSK #headtohead #record #IPL #Delhi #Capitals #Chennai #Super #Kings #stats #runs #wickets

After 26 quarters of basketball, the Raptors and Cavs were tied 718-718 in total points scored for the series. It had been a very underwhelming series for Cleveland up until that point. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden had been very quiet, and shots weren’t falling for the rest of the role players.

Someone had to step up to save the season for Cleveland, and it was Jarrett Allen. The man best known for the lights being too bright saved the Cavs’ season with a 14-point, 10-rebound third quarter. He took over this game for Cleveland, being the catalyst for a 38-19 third quarter, which Cleveland rode to a 114-102 finish.

More importantly than Allen showing up when it mattered, the Cavs finally played like the team we expected them to be this entire series. Instead of settling for bad isolation sets and last-second threes, the Cavs took it to the Raptors and would not let up with consistent rim pressure.

Cleveland has been out-physicalled by playoff teams during the Mitchell era, and they won this game by being the more physical team on both ends. The Cavs out-rebounded the Raptors 40-33, but more importantly destroyed them on the offensive glass 20-7. They also did a great job getting in the paint, shooting 37 free throws in this one.

Harden didn’t have an amazing game, but late into the second quarter, he started putting his head down and driving into the lane. He finished the game with 13 free throws and was a big spark to Cleveland’s offense whenever the game seemed to get tense. Most importantly for Harden, he only had 2 turnovers. He limited the possessions for a Raptors team that thrives on transition basketball.

Round two should be much different for Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell has to show up for the Cavs. Detroit has far fewer physical and talented defenders to throw at him. If he can’t attack the doubles they send at him, I’ll have questions on what he can ever provide for Cleveland in the playoffs.

It was an ugly first round for Cleveland, but I love their matchup with Detroit heading into the Eastern Conference Semis. The Cavs have a far more explosive offense than Orlando, and should be able to exploit a Pistons team that showed zero signs of offensive production outside of Cade Cunningham. Dean Wade did a tremendous job of slowing Cade in the regular season. If he can do that again, I think Donovan could end his streak of zero Conference Finals appearances in 2026.

#Jarrett #Allen #Saves #Cavs #Game #Secure #Date #Pistons #Deadspin.com">

Jarrett Allen Saves Cavs in Game 7 To Secure Date With Pistons | Deadspin.com After 26 quarters of basketball, the Raptors and Cavs were tied 718-718 in total points scored for the series. It had been a very underwhelming series for Cleveland up until that point. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden had been very quiet, and shots weren’t falling for the rest of the role players.Someone had to step up to save the season for Cleveland, and it was Jarrett Allen. The man best known for the lights being too bright saved the Cavs’ season with a 14-point, 10-rebound third quarter. He took over this game for Cleveland, being the catalyst for a 38-19 third quarter, which Cleveland rode to a 114-102 finish.More importantly than Allen showing up when it mattered, the Cavs finally played like the team we expected them to be this entire series. Instead of settling for bad isolation sets and last-second threes, the Cavs took it to the Raptors and would not let up with consistent rim pressure.Cleveland has been out-physicalled by playoff teams during the Mitchell era, and they won this game by being the more physical team on both ends. The Cavs out-rebounded the Raptors 40-33, but more importantly destroyed them on the offensive glass 20-7. They also did a great job getting in the paint, shooting 37 free throws in this one.Harden didn’t have an amazing game, but late into the second quarter, he started putting his head down and driving into the lane. He finished the game with 13 free throws and was a big spark to Cleveland’s offense whenever the game seemed to get tense. Most importantly for Harden, he only had 2 turnovers. He limited the possessions for a Raptors team that thrives on transition basketball.Round two should be much different for Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell has to show up for the Cavs. Detroit has far fewer physical and talented defenders to throw at him. If he can’t attack the doubles they send at him, I’ll have questions on what he can ever provide for Cleveland in the playoffs.It was an ugly first round for Cleveland, but I love their matchup with Detroit heading into the Eastern Conference Semis. The Cavs have a far more explosive offense than Orlando, and should be able to exploit a Pistons team that showed zero signs of offensive production outside of Cade Cunningham. Dean Wade did a tremendous job of slowing Cade in the regular season. If he can do that again, I think Donovan could end his streak of zero Conference Finals appearances in 2026. #Jarrett #Allen #Saves #Cavs #Game #Secure #Date #Pistons #Deadspin.com

mwasimuddin125 0

After 26 quarters of basketball, the Raptors and Cavs were tied 718-718 in total points scored for the series. It had been a very underwhelming series for Cleveland up until that point. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden had been very quiet, and shots weren’t falling for the rest of the role players.
Someone had to step up to save the season for Cleveland, and it was Jarrett Allen. The man best known for the lights being too bright saved the Cavs’ season with a 14-point, 10-rebound third quarter. He took over this game for Cleveland, being the catalyst for a 38-19 third quarter, which Cleveland rode to a 114-102 finish.
More importantly than Allen showing up when it mattered, the Cavs finally played like the team we expected them to be this entire series. Instead of settling for bad isolation sets and last-second threes, the Cavs took it to the Raptors and would not let up with consistent rim pressure.
Cleveland has been out-physicalled by playoff teams during the Mitchell era, and they won this game by being the more physical team on both ends. The Cavs out-rebounded the Raptors 40-33, but more importantly destroyed them on the offensive glass 20-7. They also did a great job getting in the paint, shooting 37 free throws in this one.
Harden didn’t have an amazing game, but late into the second quarter, he started putting his head down and driving into the lane. He finished the game with 13 free throws and was a big spark to Cleveland’s offense whenever the game seemed to get tense. Most importantly for Harden, he only had 2 turnovers. He limited the possessions for a Raptors team that thrives on transition basketball.
Round two should be much different for Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell has to show up for the Cavs. Detroit has far fewer physical and talented defenders to throw at him. If he can’t attack the doubles they send at him, I’ll have questions on what he can ever provide for Cleveland in the playoffs.
It was an ugly first round for Cleveland, but I love their matchup with Detroit heading into the Eastern Conference Semis. The Cavs have a far more explosive offense than Orlando, and should be able to exploit a Pistons team that showed zero signs of offensive production outside of Cade Cunningham. Dean Wade did a tremendous job of slowing Cade in the regular season. If he can do that again, I think Donovan could end his streak of zero Conference Finals appearances in 2026.

#Jarrett #Allen #Saves #Cavs #Game #Secure #Date #Pistons #Deadspin.com">Jarrett Allen Saves Cavs in Game 7 To Secure Date With Pistons | Deadspin.com

#Jarrett #Allen #Saves #Cavs #Game #Secure #Date #Pistons #Deadspin.com