CHICAGO – Cleveland Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff said the game ahead of the NBA negotiation deadline is like “no other”.
The rumors. The uncertainty. The emotions. It is the most difficult time of the year. The Cavaliers managed to block out the noise, opening their four-game trip with a 103-94 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Without top scorer Collin Sexton, who was a late addition to the injury report due to hamstring pain, Cavs needed everyone to do a little more. No player is capable of taking Sexton’s place.
On Wednesday night, all 11 players scored at least one basket.
Second-year point guard Darius Garland, who has no need to worry about being traded, led a balanced attack with 22 points, including 14 in the second half, on 8 out of 20 shots. His triple corner near the fourth minute’s three-minute mark pushed the Cavs’ lead back to double digits at a time when the Bulls were trying to make a late attack.
Garland also gave nine assists, giving Cleveland the kind of rapid movement of the ball that has been sporadic this season. In all, Cavs had 28 assists in 42 shots.
“Darius is a good player. He is growing up in a leadership role. He understands what it takes when he has the ball in his hands. He’s finding out where he takes the photo or when he needs to create for other people, ”said Bickerstaff. “We talked about it all year, we started talking about it in the summer, he was taking big steps and we knew he was going to have a great year for us. I think he continued to show that growth and maturity in his game. “
Jarrett Allen – probably the most striking addition from Cleveland, arriving in a Brooklyn deal about two months ago – added 19 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, two steals and an assist in 34 minutes. Larry Nance Jr., holder in place of injured Kevin Love again, filled the stats sheet with 14 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. Newcomer Isaac Okoro (12 points) and Dean Wade (10) also reached double digits.
Cedi Osman, who has been at the center of commercial talks, debuted for Sexton and scored eight points, making 4 of 14 pitches in what could be his last game against the Cavaliers.
JaVale McGee, another name at the rumors mill and linked to a few different contenders, took no action.
“I thought our guys were fighting together,” said Bickerstaff about whether the negotiation deadline was a distraction. “I didn’t notice a hangover, or doubt, or anything like that. I thought our boys were really solid and were together, which is more important. “
For one night, the Cavs defense returned, holding the Bulls below the 100-point mark with 44.6% of the field and 28.6% of the 3-point range. Zach LaVine, who has scored at least 40 points in his two previous games against Cleveland, had four points in the second half and 22 in total in 8 of 20 shots.
“Isaac Okoro,” Bickerstaff replied when asked how the Cavs were able to limit LaVine. “This is one of the things that we saw when we saw him play. He has the ability to turn off his man. Also, I thought the big guys in particular were on high alert when he was out and making those moves, we had a few opportunities when we exchanged with Larry and Jarrett and they were able to challenge his shot. So I think Isaac started, but the team ended. “
The reception has difficult decisions to make until 3 pm on Thursday afternoon. Tonight may be the last time this group is together. Cavs made it worth it.
Win formula
Cavs reversed their fights in the third quarter, beating the Bulls by 25 to 17 in those 12 minutes and taking control of the game. The Cavs are 14-3 when they lead after three quarters.
Next
The Cavs will continue their four-game trip on Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. The denunciation is scheduled for 10:30 pm
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