Cavs Offense Overpowers Grizzlies Defense

AP Photo/Mark Duncan

In a true testament of offense versus defense, it was the high-powered offense of the Cleveland Cavaliers that got the best of the grit-and-grind Memphis Grizzlies, with the Cavaliers winning 105-91.

For a team that has struggled with passing the ball, it was the ball movement that led to abomination of the top-ranked Memphis defense. The Cavaliers got a season-high 34 assists and assisted on 73.9 percent of their team's field goals, also a season high. Kyrie Irving and LeBron James both dished out double-digit assists, with Irving having a season-high of 12. For a guy who couldn't pass the ball, that's pretty impressive. Thanks to the impressive ball movement, the Cavaliers were able to shoot 60.5 percent from the field against a Grizzlies team that has not allowed a team to even shoot above 50 percent in a game.

But it wasn't just the offense that was impressive, the defense stepped up just as much. They held the Grizzlies to 45.3 percent shooting and were making life difficult for Memphis, save for Marc Gasol, who put up 23 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists.

The biggest difference for the Cavaliers was the play of Dion Waiters. He scored 21 points (9-of-17 shooting) off the bench; however, it wasn't the amount of points that was impressive with his game, it was how well he played within the offense. He only had one forced shot, coming with 20 seconds left in the game, and attacked the paint with a fury. Multiple times he drove and finished with contact, most notably the reverse lay-up he got to fall in the fourth quarter.

This was the first time the Cavaliers have played a top team in the Western Conference, and showed they could hang with them. Although the Grizzlies were missing Zach Randolph, it was still an impressive win for Cleveland, a win that could motivate them going forward.

Three Things:

1. This is best game they have played all season.

This wasn't there best game statistically, but it was definitely their most impressive game. They beat a top team by 15, scored 105 points on one of the best defenses in the league and got solid production from their bench. It's only been 26 games, but this felt a little like a statement win. Every aspect of their game was on point and the crowd was alive from start to finish. I doubt they will shoot 60 percent from the field every night, but the ball movement was what stood out for me. If they can continue to play games like this, they will be climbing both the power rankings and the Eastern Conference standings.

2. See what happens when the bench produces?

All season, we have seen the Cavaliers constantly give up leads after a dominating first quarter. But tonight, that was not the case, thanks in part to solid games from Shawn Marion (who recently moved to the bench) and Dion Waiters (who played only six minutes in their win against Brooklyn). In the second quarter, a time where the Cavaliers usually struggle, they combined to score 14 of the team's 30 points, giving Cleveland a 11-point halftime lead. Then in the second half, Waiters added 12 more points and was the reason the Cavaliers were able to run away with this game. Tonight shows why the Cavaliers need the bench to play, especially against a very good team in Memphis.

3. Marc Gasol is the best center in the league.

I've always been a huge fan of Gasol; his ability to score, pass and defend at his position are unparalleled. Tonight, he completely dominated the Cavaliers and almost single-handily won them the game. The numbers say everything (25 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists), but it was how easy he made everything look that was more impressive. He got the basket with ease and was able to finish with both hands, destroying anyone Cavaliers head coach David Blatt tried to throw at him. After watching him today, I am thoroughly convinced he is the best center in the NBA.

Statline of the Night:

Kyrie Irving: 17 points, 12 assists, 3 rebound, 8-of-13 shooting.

I think LeBron had the better game, but this was bigger for Kyrie, who had come into this game struggling over his last seven games. He dominated one of the best defensive point guards in Mike Conley and showed his ability to pass the ball that people seem to forget he has.

What's next:

Dec. 23, at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 7:00 p.m.