Cavaliers put on a show during Wine and Gold scrimmage, leave fans excited for more | Opinion

Oct. 8—Walking into the Wolstein Center on Oct. 8 with the Cavaliers holding their annual Wine and Gold Scrimmage, one thing was apparent off the rip.

This crowd was stoked, and it was 40 minutes before start time. Fans were interacting with Moon Dog, Sir CC and Pozzie, showing off dance moves and playing other mini games for T-shirts. Everyone was having fun, with the anticipation of seeing the main attraction building by the second.

After Isaiah Mobley was the first out of the tunnel, the rest of the Cavaliers came pouring out to roaring applause.

Isaiah Mobley is first out of the tunnel, followed by a loud chorus of applause for the rest of the Cavs pic.twitter.com/c9oEaZz1yF

— Sean Fitzgerald (@fitzonsportsbsr) October 8, 2022

Warmups were casual and the mood in the air was filled with anticipation and awe, especially among younger kids. Players nabbed basketballs, shirts and jerseys around the media setting and scorer's table for autographs before the 20-minute running clock started. Kevin Love, Evan Mobley and Dylan Windler were held out for the most part.

As Jarrett Allen, notably without one of his trademark headbands, and Robin Lopez set up for the tip, some players smiled as the ball went up and came down for the gray jerseys, lead by Caris LeVert, Lopez, Donovan Mitchell, Isaiah Mobley and Raul Neto.

The first few shots were off the mark, with players getting their feet under them. That was until Neto knocked down the first shot of the late morning, followed by a couple of more baskets exchanged after a brief run by the gray jerseys.

It wasn't before long as Donovan Mitchell hit a triple from beyond the arc two and a half minutes in, drawing a chorus of cheers for the team's prized blockbuster acquisition.

The Cavs put on a show, as players were pulled aside for a brief chat as 3s rained down (including a 25-plus foot swish) and slamming multiple dunks. The sizable crowd of 7,139 that came out to the Wolstein Center was left buzzing. They were entertained during the entire event as a team with big expectations and became the talk of the town last year was having fun and feeding off the energy in the arena.

While Garland and Allen drew big ovations during their interviews, it was Love and Mitchell who heard thunderous applause compared to the others.

It was a day filled with hope of the future, with the Guardians game nearby adding to the optimism of the day.

The day didn't end with a scrimmage. The team put on a dunk contest, with Love, Garland and Mitchell serving as moderators.

Stevens went with a running spin and slam from the left wing, bringing the crowd to their feet as the first man up.

Lamar Stevens hammers it home with authority. pic.twitter.com/vysZ2cUmU0

— Sean Fitzgerald (@fitzonsportsbsr) October 8, 2022

A few attempts later, it was Dean Wade with a two-handed slam off a bouncer that he picked from the air a few feet from the basket.

Dean Wade with a two-hander pic.twitter.com/UAzzh3a6lN

— Sean Fitzgerald (@fitzonsportsbsr) October 8, 2022

But the crowd clamored for Mitchell, the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion. Chants of 'Donovan!' Echoed around the court before he obliged and delivered with a one-handed catch off the side of the backboard, rearing his arm back and throwing it down. The fans went nuts in their seats, with notable oohs and awws from the majestic slam.

The crowd clammers for former NBA Slam Dunk champ Donovan Mitchell and he delivers with authority! #Cavs pic.twitter.com/VubrVxItYF

— Sean Fitzgerald (@fitzonsportsbsr) October 8, 2022

With Darius Garland and the team closing out the event by thanking the fans for coming before they were whisked away to the Cleveland Guardians postseason game just getting underway, Mitchell stayed a few extra minutes to sign autographs from enthusiastic fans before making his exit.

Hope. Optimism. Excitement.

The Cavaliers are back, and the fans are ready to see their Cleveland basketball franchise take the court in the coming weeks and dreams of an NBA title.