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🎈
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
#Cavs point guard Darius Garland WILL PLAY tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans.
It marks his first full back-to-back since returning from offseason toe surgery. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
It marks his first full back-to-back since returning from offseason toe surgery. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Darius Garland eyes first full back-to-back since return from toe surgery Tuesday
After months of cautious workload management, Cleveland’s All-Star point guard is pushing into his first true durability test — and the Cavs need what he unlocks.
www.cleveland.com
December 23, 2025 at 11:47 PM
#Cavs point guard Darius Garland WILL PLAY tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans.
It marks his first full back-to-back since returning from offseason toe surgery. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
It marks his first full back-to-back since returning from offseason toe surgery. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
The #Cavs’ All-Star backcourt showed just how dangerous it can be when both are playing to their strengths and the shots are falling
The offense looks how it should. Everything else follows.
And it can almost hide the defensive flaws. Almost. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
The offense looks how it should. Everything else follows.
And it can almost hide the defensive flaws. Almost. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Cavs’ offense finds its pulse again as All-Star backcourt dismantles Hornets, 139-132
With Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell healthy enough to control the game, Cleveland’s offense rediscovered its spacing, tempo and decision-making against the Hornets.
www.cleveland.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:38 PM
The #Cavs’ All-Star backcourt showed just how dangerous it can be when both are playing to their strengths and the shots are falling
The offense looks how it should. Everything else follows.
And it can almost hide the defensive flaws. Almost. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
The offense looks how it should. Everything else follows.
And it can almost hide the defensive flaws. Almost. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
The #Cavs’ best basketball is beautiful. They’ve stumbled when the game gets physical.
On Monday, De’Andre Hunter drew a line in the sand
Returning after an elbow to the face, Hunter set an example Cleveland desperately needs to be infectious. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
On Monday, De’Andre Hunter drew a line in the sand
Returning after an elbow to the face, Hunter set an example Cleveland desperately needs to be infectious. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Bloodied but unbowed: De’Andre Hunter and the edge the Cavs have been searching for
After taking an elbow to the face, De'Andre Hunter returned to sink his free throws, ignite a second-half surge and embody the physical mindset the Cavs have lacked when games turn confrontational.
www.cleveland.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:37 PM
The #Cavs’ best basketball is beautiful. They’ve stumbled when the game gets physical.
On Monday, De’Andre Hunter drew a line in the sand
Returning after an elbow to the face, Hunter set an example Cleveland desperately needs to be infectious. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
On Monday, De’Andre Hunter drew a line in the sand
Returning after an elbow to the face, Hunter set an example Cleveland desperately needs to be infectious. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Darius Garland is tired of sitting out games.
He eyes Tuesday as his first full back-to-back of the season.
There is risk in playing him on both nights. But there is also risk in pretending the #Cavs can fully be themselves without him. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
He eyes Tuesday as his first full back-to-back of the season.
There is risk in playing him on both nights. But there is also risk in pretending the #Cavs can fully be themselves without him. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Darius Garland eyes first full back-to-back since return from toe surgery Tuesday
After months of cautious workload management, Cleveland’s All-Star point guard is pushing into his first true durability test — and the Cavs need what he unlocks.
www.cleveland.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Darius Garland is tired of sitting out games.
He eyes Tuesday as his first full back-to-back of the season.
There is risk in playing him on both nights. But there is also risk in pretending the #Cavs can fully be themselves without him. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
He eyes Tuesday as his first full back-to-back of the season.
There is risk in playing him on both nights. But there is also risk in pretending the #Cavs can fully be themselves without him. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
The #Cavs have been playing survival basketball — patchwork lineups, roles stretched thin, possessions held together by necessity rather than design. That starts to shift Monday vs. Charlotte.
Sam Merrill, Donovan Mitchell and Craig Porter Jr. are back. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Sam Merrill, Donovan Mitchell and Craig Porter Jr. are back. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Necessity lineups are fading: How 3 returns let the Cavs play by design again
After weeks of patchwork rotations and survival basketball, Cleveland enters Monday’s matchup against the Hornets with reinforcements that restore structure, spacing and the ability to play with inten...
www.cleveland.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:09 PM
The #Cavs have been playing survival basketball — patchwork lineups, roles stretched thin, possessions held together by necessity rather than design. That starts to shift Monday vs. Charlotte.
Sam Merrill, Donovan Mitchell and Craig Porter Jr. are back. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Sam Merrill, Donovan Mitchell and Craig Porter Jr. are back. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
The #Cavs’ rebounding philosophy is backfiring. Their transition defense is getting shredded.
Kenny Atkinson’s approach makes sense in theory. But in practice? Cleveland is paying the price, and it’s time for a rethink. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Kenny Atkinson’s approach makes sense in theory. But in practice? Cleveland is paying the price, and it’s time for a rethink. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
The Cavs are paying too high a price for extra possessions — as their identity on the glass betrays them
By committing so many bodies to the offensive glass, the Cavs are leaving themselves vulnerable in transition, forcing guards into impossible recovery duties and exposing a defense that can’t keep up ...
www.cleveland.com
December 20, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The #Cavs’ rebounding philosophy is backfiring. Their transition defense is getting shredded.
Kenny Atkinson’s approach makes sense in theory. But in practice? Cleveland is paying the price, and it’s time for a rethink. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
Kenny Atkinson’s approach makes sense in theory. But in practice? Cleveland is paying the price, and it’s time for a rethink. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/12...
There’s always a risk that injury can lead to a loosened mental connection. It was the opposite for Jarrett Allen.
The #Cavs may get a version of Allen whose impact doesn’t fade when the ball leaves his hands because of it.
“I bought in more to the team.” #NBASky
The #Cavs may get a version of Allen whose impact doesn’t fade when the ball leaves his hands because of it.
“I bought in more to the team.” #NBASky
Jarrett Allen’s injuries forced him back into the mental game that keeps him engaged
When the body falters, the mind becomes the game — Jarrett Allen’s month-long battle with injuries tested his physical limits but sharpened the awareness and engagement that define his impact.
www.cleveland.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Every #Cavs season has a soundtrack. Last year was Rev3nge. But in the playoffs, they got caught in their own dream — and the mirror didn’t lie.
This year? Reality.
Cleveland emerges from a rare 5-day reset, and the next stretch will show whether they can turn the music into momentum. #NBASky
This year? Reality.
Cleveland emerges from a rare 5-day reset, and the next stretch will show whether they can turn the music into momentum. #NBASky
Seen it all: How the Cavs paused soundtrack could become their defining stretch
Coming out of a five-day pause, the Cavs are turning lessons into action — finding rhythm in adversity, rewriting their story, and letting their soundtrack reflect a team ready to respond.
www.cleveland.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Should Jaylon Tyson be in the Most Improved Player conversation? Yes.
But Cleveland is chasing something bigger. To get there, the #Cavs need to reconsider who starts at small forward in the playoffs.
Tyson has inserted himself in that high-stakes conversation. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
But Cleveland is chasing something bigger. To get there, the #Cavs need to reconsider who starts at small forward in the playoffs.
Tyson has inserted himself in that high-stakes conversation. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Cavs face a playoff decision at small forward — and Jaylon Tyson is forcing the conversation
Even with the playoffs still months away, Cleveland is quietly wrestling with a big decision at small forward, and Jaylon Tyson’s emergence is putting him squarely in the conversation as the Cavs reco...
www.cleveland.com
December 7, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Should Jaylon Tyson be in the Most Improved Player conversation? Yes.
But Cleveland is chasing something bigger. To get there, the #Cavs need to reconsider who starts at small forward in the playoffs.
Tyson has inserted himself in that high-stakes conversation. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
But Cleveland is chasing something bigger. To get there, the #Cavs need to reconsider who starts at small forward in the playoffs.
Tyson has inserted himself in that high-stakes conversation. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
"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.
December 7, 2025 at 4:38 AM
"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.
The #Cavs are held to 94 points, which is their lowest of the season, as they fall to the Warriors 99-94.
They now get a much-needed 5 days off before heading to D.C. on Friday.
Cleveland sits at 14-11. It took them until March 16 to lose their 11th game last season. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
They now get a much-needed 5 days off before heading to D.C. on Friday.
Cleveland sits at 14-11. It took them until March 16 to lose their 11th game last season. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
December 7, 2025 at 3:10 AM
The #Cavs are held to 94 points, which is their lowest of the season, as they fall to the Warriors 99-94.
They now get a much-needed 5 days off before heading to D.C. on Friday.
Cleveland sits at 14-11. It took them until March 16 to lose their 11th game last season. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
They now get a much-needed 5 days off before heading to D.C. on Friday.
Cleveland sits at 14-11. It took them until March 16 to lose their 11th game last season. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Donovan Mitchell hits a 3-pointer as the second quarter buzzer sounds, but he's walking to the locker room shaking his head after the #Cavs scored just 18 points in both the first and second periods.
Cleveland trails 45-36 at the break. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Cleveland trails 45-36 at the break. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
December 7, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Donovan Mitchell hits a 3-pointer as the second quarter buzzer sounds, but he's walking to the locker room shaking his head after the #Cavs scored just 18 points in both the first and second periods.
Cleveland trails 45-36 at the break. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Cleveland trails 45-36 at the break. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
The first quarter comes to an end and the #Cavs and Warriors combined for 30 points on 11 made field goals.
Last night after one period, the two teams combined for 65 points.
Cleveland has yet to make a 3-pointer (0-10) tonight. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Last night after one period, the two teams combined for 65 points.
Cleveland has yet to make a 3-pointer (0-10) tonight. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
bugs bunny is standing in front of a door with a sad look on his face .
ALT: bugs bunny is standing in front of a door with a sad look on his face .
media.tenor.com
December 7, 2025 at 1:10 AM
The first quarter comes to an end and the #Cavs and Warriors combined for 30 points on 11 made field goals.
Last night after one period, the two teams combined for 65 points.
Cleveland has yet to make a 3-pointer (0-10) tonight. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Last night after one period, the two teams combined for 65 points.
Cleveland has yet to make a 3-pointer (0-10) tonight. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry are OUT for the #Warriors against the #Cavs tonight, per Steve Kerr. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
December 6, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry are OUT for the #Warriors against the #Cavs tonight, per Steve Kerr. #LetEmKnow #NBASky
LeBron James’ 1,297-game streak of scoring at least 10 points in each contest since 2007 comes to an end as he assists on a game-winner by Rui Hachimura.
James finished with eight points in the win over Toronto. #NBASky
James finished with eight points in the win over Toronto. #NBASky
December 5, 2025 at 3:07 AM
LeBron James’ 1,297-game streak of scoring at least 10 points in each contest since 2007 comes to an end as he assists on a game-winner by Rui Hachimura.
James finished with eight points in the win over Toronto. #NBASky
James finished with eight points in the win over Toronto. #NBASky