The Cavaliers are back at it again, aiming to tie things up after a Game 1 win proved to be frustratingly elusive last Saturday night. The Cavs may have fallen 101-97 in a sloppy, ugly game against the Knicks, but to every Cleveland fan mashing the panic button after one game, I will say this: Breathe in, hold it for a couple seconds, and breathe out. There are at least three games left. And I find it very hard to believe that the Knicks will sweep the Cavaliers if Donovan Mitchell and Co. play like they're capable of playing. Relax.
This young team took their lumps in Game 1. They were outclassed by New York, and they were shown exactly what kind of effort, hustle, and heart it takes to win in the Playoffs. The Cavs may have had a fantastic 51-31 season, and I give JB Bickerstaff and everyone else on the team all the credit in the world for getting to this point. They deserve it.
But the time for celebration is over. The next step on this journey has begun. And it's not just a journey through this year's Playoffs. I'm talking about the journey a young team takes toward hopefully morphing into a tough, experienced and downright NASTY NBA Championship team.
Cleveland sports analyst Ken Carman had a good outlook on everything when he said he was excited about the Cavs appearing in the Playoffs, and that he wanted to see what they could do. But he also had an eye toward the future. The postseason is the first step, but the Cavaliers will continue their growth next in June with the 2023 NBA Draft, and Free Agency in July. By then they will be able to address some depth issues that are glaringly obvious, as well as other weaknesses they need to work on.
But for now, Cleveland is playing with house money, and aiming to make as much noise in the Playoffs as they possibly can while they're here. They went out with a whimper Saturday night at home. But how do they come roaring back, and show the Knicks they're here to fight it out for an entire series? Let's take a look at the Keys to Victory!
Match or exceed the energy and effort the Knicks are bringing
I know the X's and O's are extremely important. But none of that will matter if the Cavaliers don't kick up the energy and effort several notches. They cannot stay where they are in terms of the lack of energy and poor effort they showed in Game 1, and expect to be here for very long.
I can't remember a basketball game where I saw a team give up 51 rebounds, and completely fall apart in the second half. And I hope I don't see something like that again for a long while. The Cavaliers will need to win the rebounding battle, get physical, and play angry, and have an edge to have a chance here. But if they do play like that? I can guarantee you the home crowd will respond. Then if the Cavaliers feed off that energy? New York could be in for a dogfight!
Hit the high percentage shots, and don't settle for jumpers
Aside from seeing the Cavaliers give up so many second chance rebounds in Game 1, and wanting to throw the remote at my TV out of frustration, the other thing that drove me absolutely crazy, was seeing the Cavaliers' big men miss so many easy layups and other shots that are largely supposed to be "gimmes." I'm lookin' at you, Evan Mobley.
He only went 4-13 for eight points. That won't get it done. Ever. And he just looked like he was nervous, timid, and he just didn't get it done. If he can settle in, not let the moment get too big for him, and confidently bang down there in the paint with the Knicks bigs, that will not only go a long way for his development, but it may just rub off on Jarrett Allen and others. Effort and energy is infectious!
Batman needs Robin
Donovan Mitchell was absolute money in Game 1, even if the Cavaliers lost. You really can't ask for more from him. But if he's this team's Batman, someone else is going to have to step up and assume the role of Robin. Darius Garland had 17 points in Game 1, but that won't get it done for a second scorer. Garland, or someone else really needs to step up and take the load off Mitchell. If the Cavs have a second scorer tonight who can chip in at least 25 points, that will go a long way toward not only helping Mitchell, but it will also give the Knicks another legitimate threat they have to worry about, and it'll free up Mitchell to do his thing, as well as get other members of the supporting cast involved in this game.
The bench needs to show up!
I'll repeat what I said from Game 1. Even though the Cavaliers will need to eventually build up their bench depth whenever the offseason gets here, the guys we have now will still need to show up and chip in however they can. I'm not looking for a specific player to step up in a big way off the bench. Although it would definitely be nice if that happened!
But if 2-3 players off the bench can score at least 10 points each, that will be a massive boost to this team in what will likely be another tight game. Every point matters in games that are this big. The Cavs need to score at least 20 points off the bench, with 25-30 points being the target range. Anything above that is a bonus. Or as I often like to say, anything beyond that is gravy. Hopefully the Cavaliers are riding the gravy train tonight!
When 7:30 rolls around, Cleveland will have a chance to prove Saturday night was just a bad game. If they can play up to their potential, feed off the energy of a loud and passionate fanbase, and play with an edge and a chip on their shoulder, there's absolutely no reason this series can't be tied when it heads to New York for the next two games. And unlike some of the more pessimistic Cavalier fans, I have not hit the panic button yet. It's not time for that yet. Yes, this team is incredibly young, still very inexperienced, and getting their "baptism by fire" here in the Playoffs.
But I believe they can make some noise and knock off New York. And perhaps if the Cavaliers are at their absolute best, I bet they could even make some of the big boys in the East uncomfortable! It's almost time for them to show what they can do. Keep the faith, everybody. GO CAVS!
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: ESPN
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