The Cleveland Cavaliers just lost a disappointing matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. Although there were some highlights, it was an overall negative outing for Cleveland. Here’s a look at the Cavaliers 111-118 loss to the Hornets.
On the positive side, there were some solid performances by the Cavaliers. Garland, scoring 14 points, five rebounds and 12 assists, was the only Cav with a double double tonight. He did struggle from the field, hitting only five field goals (on 15 attempts) and three shots from deep (on 10 attempts), and committed five turnovers. Overall though, his play was a bright spot for the Cavaliers.
Strus, in his return, put up 19 points, four rebounds and two steals. Going 50 percent from beyond the arc and showing up on defense, Strus hit the ground running after injury. Considering he played in 145 consecutive games before missing time with the Cavaliers, his consistency should continue to benefit this team.
Allen, just missing out an a double double, scored 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists. He continues to be both an offensive and defensive anchor for this team.
Sam Merrill and Georges Niang were big contributors off the bench. Merrill, with 17 points, hit five threes across the game with four coming in the first half. Niang scored 14 points and finished with a team high plus/minus of plus three. Niang, although not a scoring juggernaut, has been a consistent producer for the Cavaliers and is the only Cavs to have played in every game this season.
Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, the Hornets played well across the board.
Brandon Miller, finishing with a team high 31 points, led the charge of a blistering assault on the Cavaliers.
Seven Hornets scored in double digits, including two 17 point performances by Tre Mann and Miles Bridges.
The Hornets were just as sloppy with the ball, actually committing more turnovers than Cleveland (15 compared to 13). However, they committed less fouls and out-rebounded the Cavaliers. They also shot significantly better than the Cavs with a 57.9 field goal percentage. Hitting the easier shots the end up making the difference, Charlotte also scored more points in the paint and off of turnovers.
If the Cavaliers want the best seeding possible, they’ll need to play less sloppy basketball and taking advantage of the opportunities that they’re given.
Before the playoffs the Cavaliers still have a number of challenges ahead. Having games against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Denver Nuggets, the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers and the Indiana Pacers. With the Eastern Conference standings race so hotly contested, every game matters. The Cavaliers were sitting at second, but have fallen to third with their grip slowly slipping. Losing these kinds of games, games that should be won on paper, where they miss opportunities to score is the differentiating factor between good and great teams. This Cavaliers team is loaded with great talent, but if they want to be considered more than a good team they’ll have to play more polished basketball.
They play next on Friday (March 29), when they’ll host the 76ers at 7:30 PM.
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Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com
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