Cavaliers' Statement Win Following Injury News
There are two ways a team can respond after discovering their All-Star point guard and defensive Player of the Year candidate have been lost to injuries for what could be two months.
1. Make excuses and let it affect their play on the floor. 2. Let it fuel an emotional and energetic win over a solid team a day after being given that news.
The Cleveland Cavaliers chose option two on Saturday night as they defeated the Atlanta Hawks 127-119. However, the final score doesn't represent just how dominant of a win this was for the wine and gold.
Dec 16, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) watches as he makes a three-point basket during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland scored 41 points in the first quarter and climbed to a 70-52 lead at halftime. Their largest lead of the night was 23 points as they dominated the Hawks 60-42 in the paint.
They also shot 48% from the floor including 42% from behind the arc. Everything just felt like it was falling for Cleveland on Saturday night.
Two players who stepped up in the absence of Garland and Mobley were Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen. Mitchell dished out a career-high 13 assists as the starting point guard and JA scored a career-high 17 points in a quarter right from the tip.
Ball movement was especially important in this win. The Cavs also recorded 32 assists as a team showing just how well the ball was moving against Atlanta and creating shots for one another.
This was an overall team win fueled by unselfish basketball. J.B. Bickerstaff said after the win that the game plan was to "throw it to the open man," and that was a successful strategy in this win.
A lot has been said about this Cavs team a quarterway through the season. Yes, there's been some rough spots, but it's important they get the credit they deserve.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one resilient group and they showed that on Saturday night.
