Marcus Morris, Tristan Thompson Give Cavaliers Much-Needed Spark
There hasn't been much to get excited about over the last week and a half if you're a Cleveland Cavaliers fan. Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, and Evan Mobley remain sidelined with injuries while the team has played average basketball since the All-Star break.
However, two veteran players stepped up in a big way and helped the Cavs take down the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.
Marcus Morris joined the team Monday morning as the organization officially announced the signing of his 10-day contract. He hadn't played in NBA action since February 25 before being traded and agreeing to a contract buyout with the San Antonio Spurs.
You'd never have known this though as there weren't any signs of rust from the 13-year NBA veteran. Morris scored 14 points, shot 71% (5-7) from the floor, and shot 80% (4-5) from behind the arc while playing a crucial part in Cleveland's comeback victory.
Cleveland found themselves down 15 points in the second quarter with the game quickly getting away from them. Morris checked into the game, knocked down a three, grabbed a couple of critical rebounds and helped the Cavs back in the game.
He was recorded a +/- of positive 13 in his seven minutes of play in the period. Morris wasn't the only veteran to tally this same stat as Tristan Thompson also was a +13 in the second quarter and has hit fingerprints on this comeback victory.
Nov 2, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Marcus Morris Sr. before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
TT only played a total of 14 minutes and scored two points, but his impact goes way beyond what the box score says. Thompson grabbed two massive offensive rebounds in the second period and those extra opportunities are exactly what the Cavs needed to get back into the game.
This victory and performance prove that having veterans ready at a moment's notice is important. Both Morris and TT are in a position to be big contributors down the stretch for the Cavaliers.
