Ethan Sands
@ejelite1.bsky.social
Cavs Beat Reporter and Wine and Gold Talk podcast host for Cleveland.com l Ohio U & SJI alum l past: MLB, USA Today Sports, The LA Times l ΚΑΨ♦️#LackOfWorries🎈
Undefeated season. A national championship for the first time ever in Indiana football history. Wow.
Give Cignetti all the praise.
Give Cignetti all the praise.
"I win. Google me.”
Curt Cignetti’s quote might go down as one of the hardest lines of a season if Indiana continues its success in the CFP.
Curt Cignetti’s quote might go down as one of the hardest lines of a season if Indiana continues its success in the CFP.
January 20, 2026 at 4:21 AM
Undefeated season. A national championship for the first time ever in Indiana football history. Wow.
Give Cignetti all the praise.
Give Cignetti all the praise.
After another conference semifinals flameout, the #Cavs had a full summer to fix 5 key flaws in hopes of a deeper playoff run.
Forty-three games in, my midseason report card revisits those priorities — graded on expectations they set for themselves. #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Forty-three games in, my midseason report card revisits those priorities — graded on expectations they set for themselves. #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Cavs midseason report card: How 5 summer priorities have held up at the halfway point
Before the season began, these five areas felt essential to the Cavaliers’ ability to take a real step forward. At the midpoint of the year, this is a look back at those priorities — and how Cleveland...
www.cleveland.com
January 18, 2026 at 5:12 PM
After another conference semifinals flameout, the #Cavs had a full summer to fix 5 key flaws in hopes of a deeper playoff run.
Forty-three games in, my midseason report card revisits those priorities — graded on expectations they set for themselves. #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Forty-three games in, my midseason report card revisits those priorities — graded on expectations they set for themselves. #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Reposted by Ethan Sands
Topical after the Cavs just gave Kevin Love a tribute video and huge ovation:
It wasn't until Kevin got to Cleveland that he started to understand what it would take to be a good player, teammate, and person.
It wasn't until Kevin got to Cleveland that he started to understand what it would take to be a good player, teammate, and person.
The greatest lesson from Kevin Love’s 18-year NBA career: How to be a good teammate
Utah Jazz veteran playing an important role for the young Jazz in the twilight of his career.
www.deseret.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:22 AM
Topical after the Cavs just gave Kevin Love a tribute video and huge ovation:
It wasn't until Kevin got to Cleveland that he started to understand what it would take to be a good player, teammate, and person.
It wasn't until Kevin got to Cleveland that he started to understand what it would take to be a good player, teammate, and person.
Accountability starts at the top, and #Cavs Kenny Atkinson needs to call it like it is. Publicly.
If done correctly, blunt honesty can do more good than harm. Coaches around the #NBA have already set the blueprint
“Oftentimes it’s a good bulls— detector” #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
If done correctly, blunt honesty can do more good than harm. Coaches around the #NBA have already set the blueprint
“Oftentimes it’s a good bulls— detector” #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
The Cavs are struggling to hold players accountable. Here’s how Kenny Atkinson can rip the Band-Aid: Ethan Sands
Kenny Atkinson has the chance to borrow a page from league leaders, using blunt honesty and public accountability to push the Cavs toward the mental edge they’ve been missing.
www.cleveland.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Accountability starts at the top, and #Cavs Kenny Atkinson needs to call it like it is. Publicly.
If done correctly, blunt honesty can do more good than harm. Coaches around the #NBA have already set the blueprint
“Oftentimes it’s a good bulls— detector” #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
If done correctly, blunt honesty can do more good than harm. Coaches around the #NBA have already set the blueprint
“Oftentimes it’s a good bulls— detector” #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
The #Cavs are running out of time with Nae’Qwan Tomlin's two-way contract — he’s nearing the 50-game active limit.
He’s become necessary. Energy now. Potential playoff spurts later.
A standard #NBA deal should be in his near future. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
He’s become necessary. Energy now. Potential playoff spurts later.
A standard #NBA deal should be in his near future. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Time is running out on Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s two-way contract — and the Cavs need him
Cleveland’s energy problem, a looming contract decision and why Nae'Qwan Tomlin’s urgency has become impossible to ignore
www.cleveland.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:45 PM
The #Cavs are running out of time with Nae’Qwan Tomlin's two-way contract — he’s nearing the 50-game active limit.
He’s become necessary. Energy now. Potential playoff spurts later.
A standard #NBA deal should be in his near future. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
He’s become necessary. Energy now. Potential playoff spurts later.
A standard #NBA deal should be in his near future. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Reposted by Ethan Sands
Just so happens I talked with Keyonte and others about this exact thing in Cleveland tonight:
January 13, 2026 at 4:39 AM
Just so happens I talked with Keyonte and others about this exact thing in Cleveland tonight:
The revolving wall outside the Jazz’s locker room tells the story before tip.
Lauri Markkanen. Georges Niang. Kevin Love.
Reunions, roster gambles & the what-ifs that still shape the #Cavs. #NBASky
More on the connections for Cleveland’s past, present & future⬇️
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Lauri Markkanen. Georges Niang. Kevin Love.
Reunions, roster gambles & the what-ifs that still shape the #Cavs. #NBASky
More on the connections for Cleveland’s past, present & future⬇️
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
When Cleveland meets Utah: Reunions, what-ifs and the trade-deadline stakes that follow
Inside the Cavs’ calculus. How past moves, player relationships and high-stakes gambles resurface every time Cleveland faces Utah.
www.cleveland.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:57 PM
The revolving wall outside the Jazz’s locker room tells the story before tip.
Lauri Markkanen. Georges Niang. Kevin Love.
Reunions, roster gambles & the what-ifs that still shape the #Cavs. #NBASky
More on the connections for Cleveland’s past, present & future⬇️
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Lauri Markkanen. Georges Niang. Kevin Love.
Reunions, roster gambles & the what-ifs that still shape the #Cavs. #NBASky
More on the connections for Cleveland’s past, present & future⬇️
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Darius Garland’s mid-range shot was falling against Minnesota. Seven tries. Seven makes.
Once that first floater falls, the floor tilts. Lobs. Kickouts. Early reads.
That’s when the #Cavs’ offense is at its best because Garland is connecting everyone. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Once that first floater falls, the floor tilts. Lobs. Kickouts. Early reads.
That’s when the #Cavs’ offense is at its best because Garland is connecting everyone. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Seven shots, seven makes: Darius Garland’s mid-range game sets the Cavs’ rhythm
Darius Garland’s touch inside the arc bent Minnesota’s defense, rewarded the bigs and reminded everyone what the Cavs look like when the game moves at his speed
www.cleveland.com
January 10, 2026 at 11:26 PM
Darius Garland’s mid-range shot was falling against Minnesota. Seven tries. Seven makes.
Once that first floater falls, the floor tilts. Lobs. Kickouts. Early reads.
That’s when the #Cavs’ offense is at its best because Garland is connecting everyone. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Once that first floater falls, the floor tilts. Lobs. Kickouts. Early reads.
That’s when the #Cavs’ offense is at its best because Garland is connecting everyone. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
From giving Louisville shoes since 2019 to summer workouts with the team, Donovan Mitchell has never forgotten his roots.
Now, he’s the first active NBA player to put his signature logo on his alma mater’s jerseys — which he also designed. #Cavs #GoCards #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Now, he’s the first active NBA player to put his signature logo on his alma mater’s jerseys — which he also designed. #Cavs #GoCards #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Donovan Mitchell’s ‘Spida’ logo comes home: Louisville unveils NBA star’s historic uniforms
Louisville’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will debut special edition Adidas uniforms featuring Donovan Mitchell’s “Spida” logo, making him the first active NBA player to place his personal brand...
www.cleveland.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:36 PM
From giving Louisville shoes since 2019 to summer workouts with the team, Donovan Mitchell has never forgotten his roots.
Now, he’s the first active NBA player to put his signature logo on his alma mater’s jerseys — which he also designed. #Cavs #GoCards #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Now, he’s the first active NBA player to put his signature logo on his alma mater’s jerseys — which he also designed. #Cavs #GoCards #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
The Cavs currently don't look interested against the Pacers, once again overrelying on talent.
Not running back on defense after a mistake. Four-minute scoring drought against arguably the worst team in the NBA this season.
What will it take for them to show more effort for an entire 48 minutes?
Not running back on defense after a mistake. Four-minute scoring drought against arguably the worst team in the NBA this season.
What will it take for them to show more effort for an entire 48 minutes?
January 7, 2026 at 12:27 AM
The Cavs currently don't look interested against the Pacers, once again overrelying on talent.
Not running back on defense after a mistake. Four-minute scoring drought against arguably the worst team in the NBA this season.
What will it take for them to show more effort for an entire 48 minutes?
Not running back on defense after a mistake. Four-minute scoring drought against arguably the worst team in the NBA this season.
What will it take for them to show more effort for an entire 48 minutes?
The Cavs’ latest update on Max Strus confirms that while his left foot shows positive progress following offseason surgery, he still needs more time.
Cleveland misses his presence. But even when he’s ready, integrating him quickly, given a short runway before the playoffs, will be a challenge.
Cleveland misses his presence. But even when he’s ready, integrating him quickly, given a short runway before the playoffs, will be a challenge.
January 6, 2026 at 7:09 PM
The Cavs’ latest update on Max Strus confirms that while his left foot shows positive progress following offseason surgery, he still needs more time.
Cleveland misses his presence. But even when he’s ready, integrating him quickly, given a short runway before the playoffs, will be a challenge.
Cleveland misses his presence. But even when he’s ready, integrating him quickly, given a short runway before the playoffs, will be a challenge.
Thomas Bryant could’ve gone overseas. Instead, he chose to bet on himself — and on the #Cavs.
No guarantees. Just a role that demanded energy, experience and selflessness.
Why his arrival might be Cleveland’s smartest offseason move. #NBASky
My latest feature:
No guarantees. Just a role that demanded energy, experience and selflessness.
Why his arrival might be Cleveland’s smartest offseason move. #NBASky
My latest feature:
‘Our best stay-ready guy’: Why this big man might be the Cavs’ smartest pickup of the offseason
The Cavs' newest big man's value isn’t found in nightly minutes. But his pace, preparation and infectious energy are reshaping Cleveland's habits — from practice battles to the moments that can tilt g...
www.cleveland.com
January 6, 2026 at 4:02 PM
The Eastern Conference is so funny, man.
The 13-23 Hornets beat the reigning champion OKC Thunder.
The Nuggets sans Jokic, Murray, Gordon and Johnson beat a nearly full-health 76ers team.
The Pistons held the Knicks to 90 points.
And Boston is the second seed.
Buckle up — who knows what’s next?
The 13-23 Hornets beat the reigning champion OKC Thunder.
The Nuggets sans Jokic, Murray, Gordon and Johnson beat a nearly full-health 76ers team.
The Pistons held the Knicks to 90 points.
And Boston is the second seed.
Buckle up — who knows what’s next?
January 6, 2026 at 4:25 AM
The Eastern Conference is so funny, man.
The 13-23 Hornets beat the reigning champion OKC Thunder.
The Nuggets sans Jokic, Murray, Gordon and Johnson beat a nearly full-health 76ers team.
The Pistons held the Knicks to 90 points.
And Boston is the second seed.
Buckle up — who knows what’s next?
The 13-23 Hornets beat the reigning champion OKC Thunder.
The Nuggets sans Jokic, Murray, Gordon and Johnson beat a nearly full-health 76ers team.
The Pistons held the Knicks to 90 points.
And Boston is the second seed.
Buckle up — who knows what’s next?
J.B. Bickerstaff is a better coach for how his tenure in Cleveland ended.
He learned the value of balance. How process has to evolve without losing edge.
Maybe the #Cavs needed evolution.
Maybe they needed to mature.
But Detroit looks like a perfect fit. #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
He learned the value of balance. How process has to evolve without losing edge.
Maybe the #Cavs needed evolution.
Maybe they needed to mature.
But Detroit looks like a perfect fit. #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
How J.B. Bickerstaff’s Cleveland exit is fueling the Pistons’ Eastern Conference rise
After parting ways with the Cavs, Bickerstaff has carried the lessons of Cleveland into Detroit, molding a gritty, process-driven Pistons team that reflects his competitive DNA — and offering a living...
www.cleveland.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:40 PM
J.B. Bickerstaff is a better coach for how his tenure in Cleveland ended.
He learned the value of balance. How process has to evolve without losing edge.
Maybe the #Cavs needed evolution.
Maybe they needed to mature.
But Detroit looks like a perfect fit. #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
He learned the value of balance. How process has to evolve without losing edge.
Maybe the #Cavs needed evolution.
Maybe they needed to mature.
But Detroit looks like a perfect fit. #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
Sacrifice. Resilience. Responding to adversity. That’s what the #Cavs are building on this season — lessons that could take them further than this group's ever gone.
This is more than Xs and Os. It’s the mental architecture of a playoff team. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
This is more than Xs and Os. It’s the mental architecture of a playoff team. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
The Cavs are learning how to handle adversity now — and it will decide their playoff fate
Through fluctuating roles, uncomfortable decisions and early-season turbulence, the Cavs are building an ego-less, trust-based identity — one where sacrifice, resilience and response matter more, and ...
www.cleveland.com
January 3, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Sacrifice. Resilience. Responding to adversity. That’s what the #Cavs are building on this season — lessons that could take them further than this group's ever gone.
This is more than Xs and Os. It’s the mental architecture of a playoff team. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
This is more than Xs and Os. It’s the mental architecture of a playoff team. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/01...
#Cavs Dean Wade and Sam Merrill are OUT against Denver tonight.
De'Andre Hunter is available. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
De'Andre Hunter is available. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
January 2, 2026 at 11:39 PM
#Cavs Dean Wade and Sam Merrill are OUT against Denver tonight.
De'Andre Hunter is available. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
De'Andre Hunter is available. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
2025 is out, 2026 is on 🔥
In their final win of the calendar year over the physical Suns, the #Cavs announced how they want to play in the new year. Grit, speed, intensity and a little chaos.
Most of all, responding to adversity every night. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
In their final win of the calendar year over the physical Suns, the #Cavs announced how they want to play in the new year. Grit, speed, intensity and a little chaos.
Most of all, responding to adversity every night. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Cavs head into the new year with decisive win over Suns, 129-113
Cleveland closed the year with a 129-113 win over the Phoenix Suns, a game that felt less like a tidy celebration and more like a stress test. Appropriate, given where this team is and where it hopes ...
www.cleveland.com
January 1, 2026 at 1:51 AM
2025 is out, 2026 is on 🔥
In their final win of the calendar year over the physical Suns, the #Cavs announced how they want to play in the new year. Grit, speed, intensity and a little chaos.
Most of all, responding to adversity every night. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
In their final win of the calendar year over the physical Suns, the #Cavs announced how they want to play in the new year. Grit, speed, intensity and a little chaos.
Most of all, responding to adversity every night. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Lonzo Ball isn’t listed as inactive, but he didn’t show up at his usual pregame warmup time, and with fewer than five minutes before introductions, he’s still not on the court taking shots with his teammates.
This could hint at how the #Cavs’ rotations will shape up tonight. #NBASky
This could hint at how the #Cavs’ rotations will shape up tonight. #NBASky
December 31, 2025 at 8:28 PM
De'Andre Hunter has been added to the #Cavs' injury report and won't play tonight against the Phoenix Suns with an illness that has been making its way through Cleveland's locker room. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
December 31, 2025 at 7:37 PM
De'Andre Hunter has been added to the #Cavs' injury report and won't play tonight against the Phoenix Suns with an illness that has been making its way through Cleveland's locker room. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
The #Cavs have been reluctant to trade Darius Garland & Jarrett Allen.
Part philosophy. Part impact on both ends. Part contracts.
But with this season under the microscope, especially in the playoffs — will patience pay off or finally run out? #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Part philosophy. Part impact on both ends. Part contracts.
But with this season under the microscope, especially in the playoffs — will patience pay off or finally run out? #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
The Cavs’ most complicated bet: Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and a ticking clock
Cleveland has resisted breaking up the Core Four largely because of what Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen bring together. But with the clock ticking, this pairing is under a microscope, and this seaso...
www.cleveland.com
December 30, 2025 at 6:44 PM
The #Cavs have been reluctant to trade Darius Garland & Jarrett Allen.
Part philosophy. Part impact on both ends. Part contracts.
But with this season under the microscope, especially in the playoffs — will patience pay off or finally run out? #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Part philosophy. Part impact on both ends. Part contracts.
But with this season under the microscope, especially in the playoffs — will patience pay off or finally run out? #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
On Christmas Day, a specific 5-man look revealed how the #Cavs’ defense might hold up in April — especially late moments.
Even in a loss, its impact was palpable. So was the contingency plan.
Now it's about whether they’re willing to use it. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Even in a loss, its impact was palpable. So was the contingency plan.
Now it's about whether they’re willing to use it. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Lessons from Christmas loss: This bench trio could shift the Cavs’ playoff defense
Christmas Day may not have ended with a win, but Cleveland discovered a lineup with real postseason potential. Led by three bench players, this five-man group could reshape their approach in the playo...
www.cleveland.com
December 26, 2025 at 3:08 PM
On Christmas Day, a specific 5-man look revealed how the #Cavs’ defense might hold up in April — especially late moments.
Even in a loss, its impact was palpable. So was the contingency plan.
Now it's about whether they’re willing to use it. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Even in a loss, its impact was palpable. So was the contingency plan.
Now it's about whether they’re willing to use it. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
What a finish at MSG.
But it’s a familiar story for the #Cavs. A comfortable lead, a stalled close and the Knicks storm back from 17 down for their largest comeback of the season.
Many positives to take away for Cleveland but without the storybook ending on Christmas Day. #NBASky
But it’s a familiar story for the #Cavs. A comfortable lead, a stalled close and the Knicks storm back from 17 down for their largest comeback of the season.
Many positives to take away for Cleveland but without the storybook ending on Christmas Day. #NBASky
December 25, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Somewhere this morning, a kid turned their driveway into Madison Square Garden.
A basketball unwrapped. New kicks laced up. A brand-new hoop in the driveway.
A reminder that at its purest, basketball — even in the #NBA — is still a kids’ game. #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
A basketball unwrapped. New kicks laced up. A brand-new hoop in the driveway.
A reminder that at its purest, basketball — even in the #NBA — is still a kids’ game. #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
On Christmas Day, the Cavs and the NBA remember basketball is still a kids’ game
As Cleveland returns to the Christmas stage for the first time since 2018, players and coaches reflect on joy, perspective and the childlike love that still fuels the game.
www.cleveland.com
December 25, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Somewhere this morning, a kid turned their driveway into Madison Square Garden.
A basketball unwrapped. New kicks laced up. A brand-new hoop in the driveway.
A reminder that at its purest, basketball — even in the #NBA — is still a kids’ game. #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
A basketball unwrapped. New kicks laced up. A brand-new hoop in the driveway.
A reminder that at its purest, basketball — even in the #NBA — is still a kids’ game. #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
The #Cavs are going with yet another starting lineup.
Sam Merrill is starting place of Jaylon Tyson tonight. Merrill joins Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Dean Wade and Jarrett Allen in the opening unit. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Sam Merrill is starting place of Jaylon Tyson tonight. Merrill joins Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Dean Wade and Jarrett Allen in the opening unit. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
December 24, 2025 at 12:16 AM
The #Cavs are going with yet another starting lineup.
Sam Merrill is starting place of Jaylon Tyson tonight. Merrill joins Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Dean Wade and Jarrett Allen in the opening unit. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Sam Merrill is starting place of Jaylon Tyson tonight. Merrill joins Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Dean Wade and Jarrett Allen in the opening unit. #LetEmKnow #NBASky