Cavs Corner, Week 14: January doldrums

Weekly slate: Loss at Houston (109-108); Loss at Philadelphia (132-129); Loss vs. Houston (135-131); Win vs. Detroit (110-91).

Stunning stat: The Cavs have lost more in their past nine games (five) than in their first 37 (four).

Reality check: This week's defeats were by a combined total of eight points and featured Evan Mobley, Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade missing games due to injuries.

• Two losses came against the ascendant Houston Rockets, whose second-year forward Amen Thompson is one of the most exciting young players in the league.

🙌 Weekly winner: Ty Jerome.

• The backup guard scored a career high 33 points and shot 8-8 from long range in Friday's loss to Philly.

🩼 Weekly loser: Wade.

• The quiet, do-it-all defensive stopper suffered a bone bruise that will likely keep him out until after the All-Star break next month.
• The starting small forward job is back in the hands of Max Strus.

What's next: Wednesday at Miami; Thursday vs. Atlanta; Sunday vs. Dallas; Tuesday vs. Boston (Donovan Mitchell bobblehead night).

💭 Sam's thought bubble: Our editor Tyler's in town this week. We'll be at the Hawks game tomorrow.