The Cleveland Cavaliers start off the season in the winning column taking down the Hornets 121-114. There was a lot of promise and excitement and a few areas of concern. Here are my thoughts about the Cavs first game in over 9 months.
Positive
Ball Movement
This was a very different Cavs team then we have seen in the past stylistically. They were sharing the ball much more than usual, assisting 34/46 made shots. This started with the improved team play of Collin Sexton.
The big concern of his offensive game was whether or not he could be a playmaker at a high enough level to run an offense through. He showed quality improvement in this area ending the contest with 5 assists, but it goes further than that. His overall game was much more in the flow of the offensel. He was letting the game come to him and took what the defense gave him.
Do not forget Darius Garland’s name. He was making great passes all night to set up teammates. His array of no look passes and ball fakes were able to pass teammates open.
Larry Nance is also one of the most under appreciated playmakers. He was making quality big to big passes off the roll and while attacking off the catch. He just seems to always be in the right spot making the right play.
Negative
Pick and Roll Defense
What I did not like to see while watching back the game was the Cavs pick and roll defense. Our guards and wings had trouble fighting through screens, while the bigs were reluctant to step up. They continued to play drop coverage and did not adjust when we got torched. This is the primary cause of Terry Rozier having a career night.
What can the Cavs do to fix this? Well not that much because of the personnel they have. Their bigs are simply not mobile enough to hedge or ice screens. That also rules out switching for the same reasons. When they get Kevin Love back that can improve the rotation by allowing Larry Nance to slide to center in small stints if pick and roll defense is needed.
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