The All-Star break came at the right time for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Because Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse is being readied for this weekend’s festivities, the Cavs ended the first half on a three game trip, winning only one, but giving up over 100 points in each.
The last two games, they were the victims of yeoman efforts by Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid and Atlanta’s Trae Young, so we guess if opponents need superhuman performances to beat Cleveland, that’s probably a good thing.
Still, the Cavaliers looked a bit tired in these three games, and it’s more difficult to play defense when you are fatigued. And remember, defense is this team’s calling card.
So, even though many Cavs are participating in the weekend’s event (at least they don’t have to travel), the nine days off until their next contest, February 24th at Detroit, could be just what this group needs, particularly the three players who have played the most minutes: rookie Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Darius Garland.
Sitting at 35-23, if J.B. Bickerstaff’s club simply plays .500 basketball from here on out, the wine and gold would finish at 47-35, and that most certainly should get them in the top six in the Eastern Conference.
But the schedule is home friendly once play resumes. Of the 24 contests remaining, only 10 will be away from RMFH, and the only long trip left is a three game sojourn to Indiana, Miami, and Chicago in early March.
On the opposite side they are several games on the slate against teams fighting for playoff spots and/or post-season positioning, including three more with Philadelphia, two with the Bulls, and two more against Toronto.
Those games likely will be filled with playoff intensity, which is a good thing for a young team like the Cavs.
The break also helps the health of the team. It should give Garland’s back to get some rest, even though he will play in the All-Star Game on Sunday, and when Cleveland returns to action, you would think Lauri Markkanen will be back in the starting lineup.
We see a lot of people trying to replace him as a starter, but we believe he is more needed than many think.
He adds yet another seven-footer to the starting lineup, and he is able to stay with big people playing on the perimeter offensively.
And there cannot be any doubt Markkanen is a better offensive option than Dean Wade. Wade still is hesitant to shoot at times, and Markkanen has the ability to take the ball to the basket better if opponents crowd him outside.
We also think it is time to start Caris LeVert at the #2 guard spot and bring Isaac Okoro off the bench.
Putting LeVert with the first unit (and Markkanen’s return) should give Allen and Mobley more room to operate inside and give driving lanes for Garland and LeVert.
Having Okoro out there with two threats from the perimeter like Kevin Love and Cedi Osman means he doesn’t have to be counted on for outside shooting, and he can attack the basket.
And of course, if you have the lead in the fourth quarter, you can always have Okoro on the floor to do what he does best…defend.
We are sure the success the Cavaliers have enjoyed this season will be a major story line at All-Star Weekend. Who would have predicted that before this season commenced?
Fans should enjoy the events and the Cavs’ players should enjoy the time off. Because the home stretch starts in a little over a week.
Cleveland Sports Perspective 