Cavaliers Loss To Lakers Came Down To Consistency

The Cleveland Cavaliers couldn't sustain a strong start as the Los Angeles Lakers took down the Wine and Gold.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are searching for some sort of consistency as there are now just four more games in the regular season. Their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday afternoon is just one more example of where this team is struggling. 

J.B. Bickerstaff commented on what he saw from his team throughout the game and what they need to do better next time out. 

“I thought we did some really good things in spurts, but we just couldn’t sustain it,” said Bickerstaff following this loss. “I thought the guys competed, they shared the ball, and shots didn’t go for us. One thing, the turnovers kind of bit us in the butt. Also, we forced turnovers, but we couldn’t convert on their turnovers. So, all in all, we just didn’t do enough to get it done.”

The Cavs started the game shooting 56 percent from the floor in the first quarter but finished the game shooting 38 percent from the field in the fourth. This isn’t a great recipe to win games especially with their defense struggling as much as it has. 

Apr 6, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

While Bickerstaff recognized that the Cavs came up short, he did stress that there still were some positives to take away and carry over into their next few games. 

“I think we had spurts of good basketball and I think that’s something we can build on. Just find that level and then sustain it. Continue to just keep growing it, keep getting better and better.” 

The question that remains now is whether or not the Cavs can find this consistency in time for the first round of the postseason.