Opinion: Cavs Clearly Missed Isaac Okoro

Isaac Okoro Returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers lineup after missing four games with a toe injury.

Mar 6, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) shoots against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for something positive to take away from their devastating loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon. Their 26-point blown lead is up there with one of the worst losses of the season.

Okay, so something optimistic from all of this. 

Isaac Okoro made his return to the floor after missing the previous four games with a toe injury. Seeing him back on the court certainly was a great site to see and he gave Cleveland a much-needed boost. It was clear the team missed what he brought to the floor. 

To start, Okoro’s defense is incredible. He deserves to be on an All-Defensive team this season for the way he’s shut down some of the team’s top players. That held true against the Clippers as well. Defense has really been an area where this team has been lacking over the last few weeks and adding a player such as Okoro back into the mix clearly had an impact.

Mar 6, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) shoots against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Ice is more than just a defensive presence though. He’s evolved into a solid offensive player too and this is really where he gave the Cavs a boost.

Okoro scored 11 points and was a perfect four-for-four from the floor while shooting 75 percent from the free-throw line. His ability to get to the point is something Cleveland had been lacking, but Isaac helped reestablish it for at least one game. 

This is what J.B. Bickerstaff saw in Okoro’s return:

“I thought he did a really good job. He came in that first half and gave us a huge spark. He came up with an offensive rebound a loose ball kick out for a three. He had some timely cuts and finishes at the rim and did a good job definitely. We’ll see how he comes out of it, but I think he had a really good start.”

Hopefully, Okoro can help this team make a quick turnaround before the playoffs.