Cavs’ lack of size of the wing reappears in 112-105 losses to Celtics

Cleveland Cavaliers’ violation first appeared in midway through the second quarter as they fell afterwards with 20. Cleveland made a brave effort to make it a four-point game late in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough to beat it Boston Celtics When they got away with a 112-105 win to take the season series.

If you told someone before the game that Boston would only connect to 28.9% of their three-point shot, you would probably have thought Cavs would get away with the victory. But for the second time in three excursions against Celtics, Cavs couldn’t hit an outside shot. They went beyond the arch, which led to their defeat.

CAVS violation is more than just their three-point shooting, but at the same time you may not have a good insult if you are unable to end outside, looking to this degree.

It did not help Cleveland that Darius Garland started off a tough start. A good second half allowed him to finish with a respectable 25 points, but starting 2-8 from the field in the first half is part of the reason why the offense fought early.

Evan Mobley also fought in Matchup with Boston. He did not have almost the influence he made in the playoffs or in the first matchup of the season, causing him to be benched in a majority of fourth quarter. Mobley contributed only 7 points on 3-14 shoots with 5 rebounds.

Cavs was probably not able to overcome two of their three best players who fought against Boston to come with a win, but Kenny Atkinson’s choice to stick to Georges Niang as long as he certainly did not help.

It is reasonable to acknowledge that this has been a nice relapse season from Nary and that this is not a matchup he should receive so many minutes in. His inability to rebound at a high level or defend wings in space makes him uplayable in games against Boston’s versatile wings. He probably wouldn’t have had these many minutes if Dean Wade was available, but it also emphasizes both Cavs’ lack of size on the bench and their lack of confidence in Jylon Tyson.

Niang led the bench in minutes, delivered only 5 points, 2 rebounds, and was a -13, which was tied to the second worst on the team in 25 minutes.

Rebounding was more worrying than the poor violation. Boston that is not a particularly strong offensive rebounding -team (21 ..), were able to corralate 33% of their misses (75. Percentile) that was translated into 15 offensive boards.

Donovan Mitchell was one of the few bright spots in the loss. He brought the energy at both ends of the floor. His 31 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists helped keep this game competitive.

Jarett Allen also had a solid view as he contributed 17 points on 6-11 shooting with 18 rebounds.

Celtics was led by Jayson Tatum, who ended with 22 points and 7 assists. Derrick White added 20 points and 5 rebounds.

Cavs has now lost four straight matches against the top three teams at each conference. This is not a reason to panic, but it talks to how their inability to easily go small against teams like Boston, Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets Will be a problem unless both big men play at the top of their game.