The Land Before Time: Cavs Pre-Game Thoughts
May 6, 2025 vs Indiana (Game 2)
“It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!” – Rocky Balboa
The Cavs got hit in Game 1, both literally and figuratively. The Indiana Pacers came out, guns a-blazing, and made 19 3-pointers en route to a 121-112 victory over the Cavs. They shot lights out and exposed the Cavs’ defensive rotations. They committed contact that almost certainly crossed the line of physicality, which newly minted NBA Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson agreed with. The Cavs walked away bruised, injured, and with their first loss of this postseason. Tonight, we see how hard they can get hit and keep moving forward.
In a must-win situation, the Cavs will likely have to rely on the depth that helped them throughout the regular season. Hours before tipoff, it is still unclear if Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, or De’Andre Hunter will play. It need not be said again how much these injuries may impact the Cavs. What does remain, however, is for Kenny Atkinson and the coaching staff to develop a gameplan that will counter the haymaker Indiana threw in Game 1 regardless of who is wearing a Cavs jersey tonight.
First and foremost, the Cavs must figure out a defensive scheme that is resilient to Indiana’s ability to move the ball and shoot threes. In Game 1, the Cavs’ defensive rotations were often either too slow or discombobulated, mistakes which aided the Pacers’ great shooting performance. To do this, look for less time with both Allen and Mobley on the floor (if Mobley even plays…). The Cavs success in Game 1 came when one big was on the floor protecting the rim and allowing the other four players to be in rotation. If Hunter is available tonight, I expect to see him get more minutes in this game, along with Dean Wade.
Next, the shooting must be better. This is obvious, but the fact still stands. The Cavs had their literal worst shooting performance of the season on Sunday, shooting 23% from beyond the arc. If it wasn’t for the Cavs’ 70 points in the paint, it may have been an even bigger loss. We expect the shooting to change tonight. If it doesn’t, watch out below…
Finally, let’s all take a moment to send positive vibes, prayers, and anything else to manifest Darius Garland being good to go tonight. Perhaps my biggest takeaway from Game 1 was that the talk about the Cavs being better without Garland on the roster is the most absurd thing I’ve heard since… well, ever. Garland can shoot and be an engine for this offense that the Cavs desperately need. Donovan Mitchell did a lot of great things in Game 1, but shooting outside of the paint was not one of them (13-20 FGs, 1-11 3PT). Having Garland on the court would have relieved some of the pressure on Mitchell and provided the Cavs another chance to find a hot hand. Max Strus was able to provide some other spurts of offense and energy in Game 1, and I believe he played way better than his stat line would suggest. However, Strus’ value will never fully compensate for the offensive weapon that is Darius Garland.
Everyone take a moment from your afternoon at work to send good feelings DG’s way. While you're at it, steel yourself for what is sure to be another battle in Game 2.
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