“Not Our Nature To Give Up:” Don’t Doubt Cavaliers Heart
Two starters sitting on the bench with injuries, another getting hurt in the middle of the game, and a 22-point deficit entering the fourth quarter. There were plenty of reasons for the Cleveland Cavaliers to give up against the Boston Celtics.
However, this resilient group had a different idea. They used their tribulations as a rallying cry and stormed back in the fourth quarter to secure a one-point victory. All of this was led by Dean Wade.
"It's just not our guys' nature to give up," said Bickerstaff following the win.
"We've obviously been through situations where we've been shorthanded. We've been down and it seems like every single time that happens, somebody else finds a way to step up and help us win. Our guys won't quit. When the momentum got going, the crowd got going, shots started falling."
Bickerstaff saying that it's not his character to give up may seem like a throwaway or cliche line. However, he really means it. This is evident by how each one of them plays on the floor in these big moments and their body language when they're losing.
Yes, this come-from-behind victory may be the most recent example of Cleveland's resilience, but it's been a theme around this team the entire season. Remember when the Cavs lost both Mobley and Darius Garland to extended periods, Cleveland turned into one of the best teams in the NBA.
Mar 5, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) celebrate during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Now, it's a different group prevailing but the mentality remains the same.
Cleveland currently sits in a similar situation. Donovan Mitchell is set to miss at least the next two games, there's still been little updates on Max Strus, and Mobley's availability will most likely be in question too.
Opponents can question all they want in terms of the X's and O's wit but they shouldn't doubt the Cavaliers' effort and heart.
