Mike Miller, defense step up in win over Brooklyn

Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

Unlike previous games, it was the first quarter that gave the Cavaliers a problem. Coming into this game with the best first quarter point differential, the Cavaliers trailed by seven points, and dominated the rest of the game.

This game looked like it would be a repeat of the Atlanta game, with the Cavaliers giving up numerous easy baskets, a big reason the Nets scored 33 points and shot 66.7 percent from the field. Brooklyn got a big first quarter from a guy who was traded away from Cleveland this off-season, second-year guard Sergey Karasav, who scored 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting.

However, the switch would be flipped on the defensive end. From the second quarter on, the Cavaliers held the Nets to 53 points, forced 13 turnovers and more importantly forced them into taking tougher shots. The defense was shown best on Brooklyn's final offensive possession. With the Cavaliers leading 94-91, the Nets came down with a chance to tie it on a 3-pointer. Jarrett Jack couldn't get shake Kyrie Irving, passing it to Joe Johnson and he too was covered well, forcing him to pass it to Kevin Garnett, who would come up short on a 3-point attempt. LeBron James would grab the rebound, then iced the game with a free throw after he was fouled by Mason Plumlee.

Offensively for the Cavaliers, they couldn't seem to get anything going for them, save for Mike Miller, who scored a season-high 21 points, hitting 7-of-8 3-point attempts. Kevin Love had his worst scoring game of the year, scoring 6 points on 1-of-10 shooting, while Irving continued his struggles, scoring 16 points on 6-of-18 shooting. As a team, they shot 40.1 percent from the field, but they made shots when they needed to down the stretch, especially from the LeBron, who scored eight of his 22 points in the final quarter.

Three Things:

1. What's wrong with Kyrie Irving?

Since it was announced that he would be the 20th player to have a signature shoe from Nike, Irving has struggled mightily. He's averaged 14.1 points per game, shot 42.8 percent and just flat out does not look like he has any type of rhythm in his jumper. It doesn't seem like he has anything wrong with him physically, outside of that scare in Oklahoma City, meaning it could just merely been a shooting slump for him. The one bright spot for him has been his assists, where he has averaged 6.0 per game. Because of his scoring ability, this cold streak should not last much longer.

2. Let. It. Fly.

Mike Miller has not played in every game, but when he has, he has made a huge impact. Tonight was no different as he hit seven 3-pointers and finished with 21 points. He got his first start tonight, and has seemingly solidified his spot in the first five. I doubt Miller will hit seven 3-pointers every night, but he at least provides the spacing that Shawn Marion seriously lacked, allowing for guys like LeBron and Kyrie to operate and drive to the paint. 

3. What do we make of this team?

There has been so many up-and-downs so far in this season for Cleveland that a roller coaster simile would be an understatement. They started out 1-3, then won four straight, then lost four straight, then won eight in a row and now have won only two of their last five. Based on that, inconsistency is exactly what they are. They have shown they can be one of the best teams in the league at times, while they also have shown their still needs work to done. If I had to say where they were right now, they'd be a contender for the Eastern Conference Finals and no further than that.

Statline of the Night:

Mike Miller: 21 points, 2 rebounds, 7-of-8 on 3-pointers.

Despite missing the last seven games with a concussion, Miller didn't miss a single beat, letting it fly and giving the Cavaliers a spark on the offense end that they desperately needed tonight.

What's Next:

Dec. 21, at home against the Memphis Grizzlies, 4:30 p.m.