Observations: Cavaliers Blowout Wizards
The Cleveland Cavaliers were due for a game where every shot felt like it was going to go in. That's exactly what they got against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday evening as they pulled off a 140-101 win.
1. Hot Start For Cavs
The Cavaliers offense was clicking early. They scored 34 points in the first quarter and finished with 67 in the first half.
Washington isn't known to be a great defensive team, they entered the game with the worst defensive rating in the NBA with 121.2. Attacking and being aggressive early was clearly on Cleveland's scouting report and they got to it right from the gate.
2. Cavs Defensive Turnaround
Cleveland started hot on offense, but not on the defensive end. The Wizards scored 55 points in the first half while shooting 46% from the field and 42% from behind the arc. Without the Cavs' strong offensive performance, there's a good chance they could've been trailing at halftime.
However, J.B. Bickerstaff's halftime message must've resonated with the group because they held Washington to just 46 points the rest of the way.
3. Three Point Barrage
The Cavs let the ball fly from behind the arc. They finished the game with 42 three-point attempts and connected on 47% of them. Cleveland made 13 of their triples through the first two quarters which is the most they've made in a half since March 3, 2017, against the Atlanta Hawks, via Cavs Notes on X.
Max Strus, who's been struggling over the last handful of games, was especially impressive as he knocked down his first five attempts and was and shot an efficient 75% (6-for-8) from behind the arc. Donovan Mitchell also shot 44% (4-for-9) from three and Sam Merrill, Georges Niang, and Caris LeVert each hit three triples of their own.
Jan 3, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots between Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (8) and center Daniel Gafford (21) in the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
4. Team Brand Of Basketball
The Cavs relied heavily on finding the open man and ball movement. They recorded 20 assists in the first half which is the second most assists in a half this season. Overall they dished out 37 assists in the game.
