Should Cavs Have Concern About Being 'Disorganized' Late In Games?
Though the Cleveland Cavaliers put forth an admirable effort on the road against the Boston Celtics in the first of two matchups in three days, it was the fourth-quarter execution that ended up being the difference.
From the 10:07 to 2:32 mark of the final period, the Celtics outscored Cleveland 22-9, finding Kristaps Porzingis on the block to draw fouls and Sam Hauser and Derrick White on the outside for three-balls that broke the wine-and-gold's back.
Of course, Boston stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum both nailed timely shots that were well-defended too.
Back for the first time since Nov. 30, Cavs sixth man Caris LeVert was honest about the Celtics' play in crunch time vs. Cleveland's.
"I think they were more organized offensively. They kinda knew what they wanted to get to, they got to it and they made shots," LeVert said after the loss. "On the other end, we kinda were a little disorganized, didn't necessarily get the ball where we wanted to every single time. And they took advantage of it.
"I think, for them, that's why they're such a good team. I think that they've been through a lot of battles together, they know where they want the ball in certain moments and they executed well."
Max Strus agreed with LeVert's assertion about Boston's familiarity with each other.
"Obviously getting Caris back, having him at the end of the game, it's just another lineup that we need to get comfortable with and figure out plays and situations we can get ourself in to be better," Strus said.
"This team's been together for a while, their main guys, and obviously adding Porzingis helps. They know what they're gonna do, what they're gonna get themselves into. I think we're still learning and trying to find those situations."
Dec 12, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts after being defeated by the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden.
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
The Cavs did plenty right on Tuesday, including making a season-high 19 threes. Between Boston's run to close the fourth and a sizable free-throw discrepancy, it just wasn't Cleveland's night.
Luckily, the wine-and-gold will have the opportunity to get the Celtics back on Thursday night.
