Spurs Disappoint Against Cavaliers in Osman’s Return to Cleveland

The San Antonio Spurs lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in large part to gut-punches by Caris LaVert.

Cleveland, OH—The San Antonio Spurs fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-115. The Spurs were led by Devin Vassell with 22 points. 

Before the game, it was announced by coach Gregg Popovich that Malaki Branham is healthy, but has been replaced in the starting lineup by Tre Jones. 

Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan guard Cleveland PG Donovan Mitchell.  / David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Before tipoff, the Rocket Mortgage Field House showed a tribute video of Cedi Osman, who played in Cleveland from 2017-23. Clearly emotional, Osman was welcomed back with a standing ovation.

The Spurs took a double-digit lead in the first quarter but were quickly stifled by a Cavs’ run led by Caris LaVert, who hit buzzer-beating threes to end the first and third quarters. 

Throughout the game, Jarrett Allen was a force for the Cavaliers, posting 29 points. Pregame, Popovich said he was not concerned about Allen’s hot streak. “I don’t look at matchups,” he said regarding having Wembanyama on Allen.

Allen punctuated the final frame for Cleveland by blocking Wembanyama at the rim. Despite Jeremy Sochan’s put-back dunk, all momentum San Antonio had was sucked out of them.

 Cleveland put on a shooting clinic to end the second quarter, and the Spurs were never able to bounce back. An inability to get to the basket compounded with poor perimeter defense kept the game out of reach, despite an attempted fourth-quarter comeback. 

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The Spurs remain winless in 2024, and travel to Detroit on Wednesday with hopes of securing a relatively easy win against the lowly Pistons, who are having a historically bad season. With the exception of Cade Cunningham, Detroit does not field an NBA roster, and a loss in Michigan would prove devastating for the young Spurs.