A Glimmer of Hope for Cleveland Fans
If you’re feeling optimistic about the Cleveland Cavaliers, you might be reminded of their incredible 2016 comeback. It’s quite uncommon for an NBA team to recover from a 3-1 deficit unless they’re up against Doc Rivers, but the Cavaliers famously achieved the most notable 3-1 comeback against the Golden State Warriors, who had an impressive 73-win season. If they managed to defeat Stephen Curry and the Warriors, perhaps they can overcome Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers, right? Or maybe not.
The Impact of Injuries
Let’s address the most pressing issue: the ankle injury sustained by Donovan Mitchell during Game 4. If his injury proves serious, it could end the series for Cleveland. Before his injury, Mitchell was averaging a remarkable 41.3 points per game in this series, serving as the Cavaliers’ primary source of offense in the initial games. While the team has functioned without him in some configurations, numerous other challenges persist.
Frustration Among Key Players
Players like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter are dealing with injuries and visible frustration. Hunter’s controversial push on Bennedict Mathurin in Game 4 illustrates a troubling mentality among the Cavaliers, as they’ve been drawn into Mathurin’s provocations. Garland’s fouling issues highlight how the Pacers have gotten into the heads of the Cleveland players.
Shooting Slumps and Variance
Cleveland’s shooting struggles are concerning. While the Pacers have improved their catch-and-shoot percentage significantly, Cleveland’s has plummeted from 39.3% to 31% during the series. Some of this is attributable to the Pacers’ defense, but it’s also a matter of luck. Superior teams often navigate a few bad shooting nights, yet cumulative losses like those from Game 2 weigh heavily and impact overall game performance.
The Importance of Close Games
Despite the severity of Game 4, it’s only one game among several. The series hasn’t been dominated by Indiana, as evidenced by their shared blowout victories. Each team’s inability to secure tight games exacerbates Cleveland’s vulnerabilities, meaning a single fluke performance might lead to elimination. Both teams have had their share of lucky shooting nights; managing close games will be essential going forward.
Strategies Moving Forward
Adjustments are necessary. While Indiana shifted away from their two-big lineup in Game 4, this decision came after the Allen-Mobley duo excelled in Game 3. Abandoning a successful combination so quickly signals desperation rather than strategy. Cleveland could benefit from capitalizing on their rebounding advantage, considering Indiana’s struggles in that area.
Looking Ahead
Even if Mitchell can continue playing, the Cavaliers need more offensive contributors. After displaying the best offensive game in NBA history against Miami, Cleveland’s current situation seems perplexing. A lack of scoring from their bench and injuries to key players like Garland means the offense has narrowed down to primarily relying on Mitchell. However, the Cavaliers do have the advantage of two home games left. If the right conditions align, their chances of winning three consecutive games remain possible, but they face a steep uphill battle.
