Cleveland Oh. – It started off ugly. The Cavs started the game tonight allowing the Grizzlies Jake LaRavia to open the first quarter making his first four three pointers and it looked like it was going to be a long night. While LaRavia did finish with thirty-two points, the Cavs were able to beat the Grizzlies 110-98.
At halftime, down 51-48, the Cavs went in and had a chat. Donovan Mitchell said “We were doing decent defensively, we just couldn’t get shots to fall…” Jarrett Allen said coach Bickerstaff told them to go out and play “with joy.” Those were the things the Cavs did when they were an NBA 18-2 in January. Coach JB has said in the past, “We are a good basketball team. We just are struggling now.” That was evident tonight as the Cavs found their rhythm and held the Grizzlies to sixteen third quarter points which was when the Cavs took control of this game.
Mitchell played one of his best games post all-star break. Finishing with an efficient 29 points with 8 assists, Mitchell said he felt pretty good during the game. “The biggest thing is just continuing to build my confidence back up. Now I have to continue at that pace and that level. A night like tonight is positive, but I have to do it again Friday and again and again.”
Photo via Cavaliers
Nights like this remind people of how good Mitchell is and what the Cavs can be if he can remain healthy. Against an inferior team nonetheless, the Cavs go as Mitchell goes. Teams will have to honor him if he is out on the court. Coach JB said he was happy to see Mitchell be able to fit into tight spaces. Jarrett Allen said he is waiting for the monster dunk. The Cavs know how much they need Mitchell, and Mitchell knows as well.
Tonight was a step in the right direction to secure home court in the first round. Friday presents another challenge, and everyone is already thinking about it. The Pacers come into town, and they too are looking for playoff seeding. The Cavs know the Pacers are looking at this as a playoff game and the Cavs are too. If they can play like they did in the second half tonight, the Pacers will have a difficult time scoring. If they play like they did in the first half… well…
But for at least one night, the Cavs overcame the adversity. Buckle up. These next few weeks are going to be interesting.
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