Jackson Flickinger

Sam Merrill has developed an instant chemistry with James Harden. I was able to get Merrill to breakdown some clips to figure out what he looks for when playing with his new superstar teammate. “He fits with anybody.” fearthesword.com/cavs-featur…

The Charge suffer from some of the same issues the Cavs do. That came through in a tough season-opening loss. fearthesword.com/cleveland-c…

I’m in the building for the Charge’s season opener. I’ll have a report for Fear the Sword later tonight.

The Charge open up their season today. Their goal is simple, identify and produce role players for the Cavs. “We want the development to be in-house.” fearthesword.com/cleveland-c…

The Cavs are too reliant on James Harden for him to be this bad. There's also no real way to upgrade at that position without drastically shaking up the core. Harden needs to be better. And if he isn't, this would be a lost season.

There wasn't the usual buzz in the arena for LeBron James's return yesterday. That's understandable, but it was a sad way for things to go in what was one of James's last games in Cleveland. 🔗: fearthesword.com/cavs-featur…

My complete thoughts on this game.

Sam Merrill will not return tonight due to a right elbow injury.

The Cavs did not play the typical tribute video for LeBron James after the first timeout.

LeBron James receives a positive reception from Cleveland during player introductions.

Kenny Atkinson isn’t too concerned about Donovan Mitchell’s shot profile. Instead, he wants Mitchell to be focusing on something else. “I know he can shoot 25 times a game. He needs to empower others around him.” fearthesword.com/cavs-featur…

LeBron getting ready for his return to Cleveland.

Kenny Atkinson isn’t concerned about Donovan Mitchell’s shot attempt numbers. “I don’t look at field goal attempts. I judge decision making. … When we’re at our peak, he’s making others better.”

Kenny Atkinson is worried more about the team’s “process” than where they are in the standings. He emphasized that the Cavs are still integrating new pieces into what they’re doing.

Kenny Atkinson doesn’t have an update on Peyton Watson, Jarrett Allen, or Tyrese Proctor’s availability. They’re all game-time decisions.

The Cavs are 1-4 this season against teams over .500.

The second and third quarters last night showed why the Cavs need the version of James Harden we saw then, and not the one we’ve seen for most of the season. Everything the Cavs want to do offensively relies on Harden. fearthesword.com/cavs-analys…