Podcast

The Chase Down: A Cleveland Cavaliers Pod

From Leverage the Chat Basketball, Sports

Justin Rowan and Carter Rodriguez discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers and the rest of the NBA through their Wine and Gold colored glasses.

Basketball chart
#179
Episodes
104
Releases
Twice a week
Typical length
51 min
On air since
2025
Latest episode
19 hours ago

Episodes

104 episodes, newest first

  1. Cleaning Up the Little Things

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter discuss how despite real signs of growth, the Cavs continue to get tripped up by crucial mistakes and miscommunications. Diving into the loss to the Thunder to figure out where they went wrong, despite winning three out of four quarters. As well as the first career start for Meleek Thomas, continued strong play out of Mario Hezonja and Tyrese Proctor, and Donovan Mitchell's playmaking.

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    44 min
  2. Splitting the Back to Back

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter discuss the last two games for the Cavs and try to use them to get a better sense of where the team is at. What issues can be attributed to effort, chemistry, and what may be a lingering pain point for the team moving forward. As well as who has stepped up, the positive strides on the offensive end, and the upside of their younger pieces.

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    39 min
  3. What's a Wolf to a Dawg

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter discuss the Cavs wins over the Nets and Timberwolves, and the thrilling debut of Meleek Thomas. They take a look at how the team has performed through three games, where they can improve, as well as what has been working.

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    54 min
  4. Coming Up Short in Philadelphia

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter react to the Cavs failing to maintain their lead over the Philadelphia 76ers. They discuss some of the recurring issues the team has had that showed up in this loss, as well as how their path to building the initial lead provides reasons for optimism this season.

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    41 min
  5. Preseason Wrap-Up

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter put a bow on the preseason. Taking a look at who the standouts were, what may translate to the regular season, and what the team will need to clean up when the games matter. As well as other trends worth monitoring.

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    53 min
  6. First Impressions

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter discuss the Cavs first preseason game against the Boston Celtics. Diving into how the starters functioned without James Harden, how Peyton Watson, Mario Hezonja, and Meleek Thomas looked in their Cavs debuts. As well as what this game could mean for the training camp battles they've been keeping their eyes on.

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    47 min
  7. Media Day Recap

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter discuss the Cavs 2026 Media Day. Highlighting the noteworthy comments from the team and discuss what it might mean for the upcoming season.

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    55 min
  8. Sizing Up the Cavs with Jason Timpf

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter are joined by Jason Timpf of Hoops Tonight to discuss what he thinks of the Cavs heading into the 2026-27 season, and where they stand in the Eastern Conference.

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    1 hr 10 min
  9. Power Ranking the East

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter share their thoughts on who the best teams are in the Eastern Conference, and how the Cavs fit in to the larger picture.

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    57 min
  10. Balancing Act with Danny Cunningham

    Show notes

    Danny Cunningham of Locked on Cavs and The Inside Shot joins Justin to share his thoughts on how the Cavs should approach next season. They discuss how possible it is for the team to strike the balance between prioritizing development, and winning regular season games. As well as what an ideal hierarchy would be.

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    40 min
  11. DAZN for a Mailbag

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter discuss the new broadcast home for the Cavs before diving into listener questions!

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    53 min
  12. Experimenting With the Regular Season

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter take a look at the Cavs schedule for the 2026-27 season. Discussing some of the unique challenges the team will face, and how best to approach the season. As well as discussing on the back end of the rotation, and how the team could fill out the roster.

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    54 min
  13. Peyton Watson Trade Reaction!

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter react to the Cavaliers acquiring Peyton Watson via sign and trade. They discuss what makes Watson such a great fit with the team, and what the swing skills will be for him to take the next step with the team. As well as provide their thoughts on the team parting with Dennis Schroeder and Max Strus in the deal.

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    59 min
  14. Building From Within

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter discuss how the Cavs can improve internally heading into next season. From the veterans, to the need for better self creation out of Evan Mobley and Jaylon Tyson. They also discuss how DeMar DeRozan could potentially fit on the team.

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    56 min
  15. Hear the Call

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter discuss the unveiling of the Cleveland Sirens, as well as the signing of Mario Hezonja. From there they dive into the recent reports of the Cavs interest in Peyton Watson, and how he contrasts to Jonathan Kuminga, as well as the other wings on the roster.

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    48 min
  16. Moving On After LeBron Signs with Philly

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter react to LeBron James signing with the Sixers and discuss what comes next for the Cavs as they look to compete in an increasingly difficult Eastern Conference. They discuss what changes from their approach might be necessary both internally, as well as the types of targets they pursue this offseason.

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    43 min
  17. Summer League Recap

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter discuss the Cavs performance at Summer League, and what Meleek Thomas' role might look like if he were to earn minutes at the start of the season. They also touch base with a free agency update, discussing the wait for LeBron James, as well as how Jonathan Kuminga could fit in Cleveland.

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    43 min
  18. Meleek Thomas Mania

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter react to Meleek Thomas' historic first three game in Summer League before taking a look at how the rest of the roster has performed. As well as a discussion about the Donovan Mitchell extension, and a free agency update.

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    55 min
  19. Free Agency Updates and 1-on-1 with Meleek Thomas

    Show notes

    Justin and Carter weigh in on the latest in NBA Free Agency before sitting down for a chat with Meleek Thomas, the team's newest rookie!

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    51 min
  20. Cavs Draft Meleek Thomas with RealCavsFans

    Show notes

    Luka from RealCavsFans.com joins Justin to react to the Cleveland Cavaliers selection of Meleek Thomas with the 34th pick of the draft. They weigh all the options on the board and try to analyze what the team would have weighed with the decision before diving into what Thomas can bring to the table. As well as what needs the team may look to address this offseason.

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    1 hr 2 min