The Cleveland Cavalier bench played a major factor in last night’s 113-94 romp over the Chicago Bulls at the "Q". Sasha Pavlovic finally had a chance to wear his uniform under his warm ups scoring 16 points in the contest. It was good to see Coach Mike Brown make some adjustments in the use of his bench after the first four games.
It is quite obvious the David Wesley and Damon Jones have given the team nothing in the early part of the season. It’s too soon to bury both players, so hopefully they can contribute at times during the season. However, through five games, Wesley is 1 for 12 from the floor, including 0 for 8 from behind the three point arc. Jones, the self proclaimed greatest shooter in the NBA, has hit just 8 for 26 from the floor, including 5 for 16 from 3 point land.
Enter Pavlovic, who gave the wine and gold a much needed offensive lift off the bench. He hit 6 of 9 from the field, including a couple of 3’s, and went to the basket as well as hitting the jumper. This is in contrast to Jones, who treats the paint like it will give him an allergic reaction. Giving yourself some options with the ball puts the defense in a quandry.
What Pavlovic needs most is consistency in his game. He has had games like this before, and then faded back to the end of the bench. However, I think Coach Brown has to give him some substantial minutes in games as long as Sasha produces. Giving him 20 minutes one night and 5 the next plays with his head. In return, Pavlovic must work hard on the defensive end. That has been the weak point of his game in the past. He certainly has the athletic ability to handle himself on "D", the mental discipline to do it is another.
Anderson Varajao and Donyell Marshall have been constants as reserves. The coach has a pretty good idea of what he is going to get out of those two players. The Cavs need two more reliable guys off the bench. It is early enough to play Shannon Brown to see if he can develop into one of those players. Right now, Sasha Pavlovic has an opportunity to show he can be a reliable bench option. Here’s hoping Mike Brown gives him some more chances.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 