Cavaliers Center Providing Much-Needed Spark
The Cleveland Cavaliers have once again dug deep into their bench for minutes as they continue to get this team back to full strength. This is something that's impacted Cleveland's entire season, but players always seem to step up no matter what J.B. Bickerstaff's rotation is.
The Cavalier who provided a much-needed spark against the New Orleans Pelicans was Damian Jones.
Jones has played sporadically throughout the season with most of those minutes coming in garbage time at the end of games. However, Cleveland needed more size to match up a lengthy Pelicans roster.
Not only did Jones play meaningful minutes in New Orleans, but he also played a significant role in the Cavaliers' 116-95 victory.
The seven-year veteran played 21 minutes and finished with 14 points while shooting an ultra-efficient 87% (7-8) from the floor. Jones did a great job running the floor and putting himself and his teammates in opportunities to succeed.
J.B. Bickerstaff was very impressed with what Jones contributed to the team.
"I thought he was unbelievable," said Bickerstaff after the game. "Credit to him for putting in the time and sticking with it, not losing his confidence, and being ready was his number was called.
After the game, he Jones added that he was just looking to make an impact."The opportunity presented itself, so I made it happen," he said.
Mar 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Damian Jones (30) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
© Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Jones deserves credit for how he's stepped up against the Pelicans, but also over the last week of games. He gave the Cavaliers quality minutes against to tough opponents in the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns.
The status of Evan Mobley is still unclear. There's a possibility he's still out for a while. At least the Cavs know they have a player in DJ who's ready to give it his all whenever his number is called.
