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2023-24 Season | Game #66 | Cavs @ Pelicans | March 13, 2024 | 8:00 p.m.

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Kouki said:
We seem to be unique in that we don't play as well with a healthy roster, as opposed to NYK who was playing extremely well before the injuries to two of their top players.
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Without choosing favorites, I think what we’re diagnosing as playing well when multiple guys are out is more about how we play with only one primary big on the floor at any given time. Not that Mobley and Allen can’t or don’t play well together in many games, just that are spacing, pacing and passing is so much smoother when there is an abundance of shooters on the floor

And some fortuitous scheduling during that first stretch where Garland and Mickey missed time together

The playoffs are really going to be a huge mandate for the direction of this team moving into the future. If things clog up and the offense is slow, anemic, and dribble heavy with average to below average 3P volume, I think we’ll see bith coaching and roster changes

On the other hand, if they can take some of what they’ve learned this year in pace and play style and translate that into a 1st round win and a second round win or 6+ game series, the changes may not be so pronounced

No need for too much prognostication though this late into the season, it’s all going to play out very quickly in the next few months for better or worse
 
Great to see Darius finally make it back. Great games by JA, Merrill, Niang. Donovan easing back in, being Donovan.

We beat their size and length with movement and shooting, exploiting those mismatches in our favor. Quickness and movement can trump bulk and length. Great defense by our guys tonight as well.
 
  • Donovan Mitchell was welcomed back after a seven-game absence to one of Darius Garland’s best performances this season. His game score (30.2) was the highest of the season. Garland had two 5+ assist quarters on his way to 11 assists on the game.
  • After the game Mitchell said he thought Garland had one of his best games, especially managing the game. There have been times Garland has been criticized for his turnovers, or how the offense has looked under his guidance, but Mitchell’s analysis was correct. The offense was flowing well under Garland’s watch, and it looked like as good as it has all year.

 
Finally watched the second half. Great game by everyone. The look on Sam’s face after he hit his fifth 3 was priceless. Probably felt like a boulder was lifted off his shoulders. Heat and Pacers losing is icing on the cake.

If you all have time, glance at the Bucks remaining schedule. 2-seed definitely needs to be the goal. I could see the Bucks falling to 4 if the Knicks start rattling off wins.
 
The Pels couldn't defend our centers. Allen and Jones combined for 31 points and 16 rebounds in 53 minutes, going a combined 15-for-21 from the field.

Vala was showing hard off an Allen high screen, which allowed Allen to roll to the front of the rim with a small forward on his back and Vala in no man's land.

Interesting comment in Jones' interview that the Cavs' coaches said the Pels were a little weak in transition defense so Jones should try to beat his man down the floor. That's exactly what he did. Good catch by the scouts.
 
Jscc said:
Damian Jones confuses me. There are times he looks as good and as mobile as JA. Then there are times he looks like last year's Robin Lopez.
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both statements are true. he is indeed athletic, but his IQ is poor, that's why he looks lost out there
 
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Episode 3-14: "Time for Playoff Vengeance on Mickey"

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Episode 3:14: " Time for Playoff Vengeance on Mickey."
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