The Bounce Newsletter | This is The Athletic’s daily NBA newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Bounce directly in your inbox.
Glen Taylor’s tenure as owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves was notably poor, marked by multiple betrayals of Kevin Garnett. It wasn’t until after Taylor’s departure that Garnett agreed to have his jersey retired in Minnesota. His legacy places him among the worst NBA owners.
Challenges for Cleveland
Last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers had an impressive campaign, starting with a historic 15-0 record and securing 64 wins overall. Despite this, their playoff run was cut short in the second round due to injuries. This year, however, the team is struggling, sitting at 15-13 and eighth in the Eastern Conference.
While injuries have sidelined several key players like Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers’ current performance is still disappointing compared to last year’s standards. With many core players active this season, they find themselves in a competitive standstill against teams like the Atlanta Hawks, which can significantly detract from their expectations.
Offensive Decline
The Cavaliers are showing a worrying decline in offensive metrics compared to last season. Their field-goal percentage has dropped significantly from 49.1% to 45.7%, and their 3-point shooting has fallen from 38.3% to 33.8%. Even though they generate more points off turnovers and fast-break situations, their shooting efficiency remains a major concern.
Trade Speculations
Amid rising speculation regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks, he recently addressed the media after suffering a calf injury. His remarks have left Bucks fans uneasy, especially his clarification that he hasn’t personally engaged in trade discussions, hinting at possible doubts about his commitment to the franchise.
Recent Game Recap
The Dallas Mavericks are gaining momentum with six wins out of their last eight games. In a dramatic match against the Detroit Pistons, they managed to comeback and win in overtime. The Mavericks blocked an impressive 14 shots, showcasing their defensive prowess while standout player Cooper Flagg delivered a clutch performance with 23 points.
Results from Around the League
The Hornets faced the Hawks and emerged victorious, marking five wins in their last ten games. The Knicks also managed to solidify their position with a last-second shot to edge out the Pacers. In other matches, the Nuggets continued to shine, while the Heat inched closer to the playoff spots with a crucial win over the Nets.

