The crippled Cleveland Cavaliers fell short to Minnesota against the Timberwolves 91-104, surrendering 13 offensive rebounds that turned into 18 second-chance points in favor of the hosts.
Once again, the Cavaliers were missing Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Max Strus and Dean Wade. Only Mobley traveled with the team, suggesting an imminent return for the young star. No player has an official schedule, however.
When asked after the game what could be done to create more offense for the Cleveland Cavaliers, coach JB Bickerstaff gave his opinion with a frank answer.
“It starts with attacking the paint. We have to create some kind of rotation… We have to try to beat our man, get to the paint, force help, and then move it, rotate and get the looks that we’re trying to give. create”
– JB Bickerstaff
Given the unit’s dire situation – trying to be as healthy as possible for the playoffs without depleting Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland – the operational move is replacing Georges Niang in the rotation for Craig Porter Jr.. Opponents attack the G-Wagon (Niang) like mechanics attacking a 10+ year old vehicle the moment it pulls into the parking lot, tackling everything that’s wrong. In the loss to the Timberwolves, his weak corner protection was exploited twice in the fourth quarter.
Although the rookie doesn’t have Niang’s long-range accuracy, he is much more capable. best option to create for yourself, and the unit needs its ability to force overreactions in lane. Additionally, Porter grabs 6.2 rebounds per 36 minutes. It would be a boost if the Cavs’ offense at that point featured another player who could rip and run around the open court as soon as he snags a defensive rebound.
With Marcus Morris, Sr. being the last to arrive, Niang’s role should become more irrelevant than it currently is. The former is a good marksman, recording 37.8 percent of his career triple attempts and is a better rebounder who brings an attitude advantage that the latter can’t match. His larger, stronger frame makes him a more suitable screener, although Niang has enough surface area to protect his rivals.
Making sure the team gets the most out of Tristan Thompson is also key. Since the group needs more offense, when not setting screens, they should hover over the dunking point as much as possible, waiting for a lob or putback.
There’s no replacement for losing A-level firepower to the injury bug, but for the final dozen games of the regular season, the goal is to find combinations that work.
Before Bickerstaff’s press conference ended, he said, “We can’t ask one person to fill the void of all the guys we’re missing.” So everyone needs to do a little more. »
The Cavaliers have just a dozen games left before the playoffs to find a rhythm amid countless injuries. Their next chance to get their act together will be against the Miami Heat on Sunday, March 24 at the Kaseya Center before returning to Cleveland to host the Charlotte Hornets.
Following. Creating the perfect offseason moves for the Cavaliers. Creating the perfect offseason moves for the Cavaliers. dark
