Despite a historic season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, some questions still need answers.
How Do the Cavaliers Keep Finding Ways To Win?
A win is a win, but they are not all built the same. During the active 14-game win streak, Cleveland has an average margin of victory of 14.7. This number is a little inflated by the Magic and Knicks games, where they won by 40 and 37, respectively.
In the game against Charlotte, the Cavs found themselves down five with 3:09 left in the fourth quarter. Eight seconds later, Darius Garland cuts the deficit to three. After forcing a miss, Kenny Atkinson calls a timeout.
Charlotte would not score again until the 1:32 mark.
While it’s not ideal to be in a barnburner with a team at the bottom of the standings, the Cavs ramped up when it was needed most.
The Cavaliers remain one of the best defenses and have shown that they can flip a switch at the most opportune moments. In their new switch-heavy defense, Atkinson has shown he is not afraid to trust his players to guard up-and-down lineups.
Cleveland’s offense has been elite all season long. This development has allowed them to overwhelm opponents for short stretches, known on social media as the newly trademarked Cavalanche.
Since the All-Star break (10 games), the Cavs bench has scored the fourth most points per game. Led by Ty Jerome and trade deadline acquisition De’Andre Hunter. The reunited Virginia teammates have been critical to the team’s success.
Was the De’Andre Hunter Trade Worth It?
Since the trade, Cleveland is 12-0.
In his 12 games as a Cleveland Cavalier, Hunter is averaging 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game with a 68.2 true shooting percentage.
Not only is Hunter scoring with unbelievable efficiency, but his 6-foot-8, 225-pound frame has given the Cavs a new level of versatility.
To create better matchups for another potential Celtics playoff series, the Cavaliers found another player to help guard star wing Jayson Tatum.
In this clip, Atkinson rolls with Evan Mobley playing center. Donovan Mitchell and Garland are at the guard spots with Max Strus and Hunter playing on the wings.
Hunter allows the Cavs to go smaller while adding more shooting and wing athleticism.
Here, Hunter makes a heads-up play to knock away the pass in the overtime game vs. the Portland Trail Blazers.
Notice the lineup on the floor. Garland, Jerome, Strus, Hunter and then Dean Wade at center. These unique lineups are made possible and effective because of Hunter’s IQ and ability to guard multiple positions.
Cleveland beat the Miami Heat by five points in their third game in four nights. Miami ran a zone that gave the Cavs a few issues late in the contest.
Atkinson found an answer by spotting a player in the weak spot of the zone, right in the middle by the free-throw line. Hunter gets to the spot and fires a shot immediately, not giving the defense any time to make a play.
Hunter possesses a 9.6 plus-minus in his 12 games with the Cavaliers. He is 10th in the league in this span.
In summary, it’s safe to say that the deal was well worth the price, so far.
What Should Be the Closing Lineup?
Dependent on the matchup, there are a few options the Cavaliers have gone to.
Atkinson is not afraid to make offense/defense subs late in games. In the Hornets game, Sam Merrill was subbed in for Jarrett Allen for an offensive possession. Isaac Okoro was subbed in for Garland during a defensive possession.
Mitchell, Garland, Hunter and Mobley have closed the most games since the trade deadline.
In the last Heat and Celtics game, the final starter was Strus. In the Hornets game, it was Allen.
Don’t be surprised to see Wade or even Jerome close a few. In most cases, the expectation will be Strus. However, Atkinson is flexible and allows the moment to dictate this decision at times.
The Cavaliers will continue their hunt for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
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