CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff used the term resilience to describe the team’s six-game trip. They showed again on Saturday. It just wasn’t enough.
Underman Cavaliers, playing without seven players for the second consecutive game, capped his exhausting 10-day journey with a 100-90 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Cavs went 2-4 on the longest trip of the season – a respectable brand, given the obstacles they faced throughout the season.
On Saturday night, all Bickerstaff wanted was a chance at fourth time. He asked his team to make an agitated, physical and ugly game. Playing against the league’s highest-ranked attack, the Cavs would not win a high-scoring match.
With a drop of 19 points in the first half, Cavs tied the game again with a 21-2 sprint. But the Bucks responded with a 10-0 run to finish the half, taking the lead in the locker room.
The Cavs continued to press. They left Bucks – playing without current MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who suffered a frightening fall the night before and was dealing with back spasms – uncomfortable overnight, keeping them at 44% of the field and 33% of Range. 3 points. They forced 16 turnovers. Still, they never managed to overcome the obstacle. His only advantage came after two minutes of play.
“They gave us what they had tonight,” said Bickerstaff. “Asking the guys to play heavy minutes, carry heavy burdens, they gave up and competed. We just couldn’t make enough stitches. I thought our defense was solid, but we just struggled to make a few points and find some easy buckets tonight. “
Andre Drummond scored 26 points with 24 rebounds in 41 minutes, his 10th game in a row with a double-double at the opening of the season.
“I think it’s a question of him being a force initiator. And when he is the initiator of the force, there is no one in this league who can protect him, ”said Bickerstaff of Drummond. “I think we saw that tonight and against Memphis. When he decides to lower his chin and play with that strength, he is helpless. This facilitates finishing, he should reach the free throw line. I think there were some opportunities for some e-ones or at least a few whistles tonight that he didn’t get. But if he continues, he will receive those calls and reach the free throw line even more. “
Damyean Dotson, playing out of position as a point guard once again, scored 21 points and eight assists on an ankle that is still below 100 percent. Larry Nance Jr. took 17 points. He also added four more robberies to the league leader.
Milwaukee was led by Khris Middleton, who recovered from a slow start to end the 27-point mark. Bobby Portis, starting in Antetokounmpo’s usual position, finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and three assists.
During the trip, Cavs fought Atlanta and Memphis, showing off their makeup. They dealt with injuries, used unconventional lineups and asked for more than normal for some guys. Collin Sexton was inactive for his second consecutive game because of an injury to his left ankle, leaving the Cavs two healthy guards, neither of whom is a natural game maker.
Considering everything they found outside of Cleveland, the Cavs had many built-in excuses. But I never used them. They can get on the plane and return home with their heads held high and their chest puffed up.
Cavs is quickly becoming the team that Bickerstaff envisioned at the start of the season.
“I feel really good about this team, to be honest with you,” said Bickerstaff. “The things we say that matter most to us, our guys continued to show. They are competitive, they are altruistic, they are together. We just found something that is difficult to overcome. We put ourselves in position. Obviously, we had to make some huge adjustments in real time regarding the game plan and style of play and that sort of thing. And the guys accepted and gave everything they had. So, we continue to play that way, we are healthy, we will have difficulty going out every night ”.
20-20 club
Drummond became the first Cavalier to record a 20-20 game since Anderson Varejão in 2012.
Second chance points
The Bucks entered the game ranked sixth on second chance points. They showed why, using their length, athleticism and activity to pull 11 offensive rebounds, which led to 16 second chance points.
Next
The Cavs are coming home for the first time in the new year, hosting the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Delivery is scheduled for 19h
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New Cavs face masks for sale: This is where you can buy Cleveland Cavaliers themed facial covers for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a pack of 3 ($ 24.99). All NBA proceeds donated to charities.
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