HOUSTON – First was Trae Young from Atlanta. Then Ben Simmons, from Philadelphia. On Monday night, it was John Wall and Victor Oladipo, from Houston, for the second time in a week.
In a series of clashes against the All-Stars or ex-All-Stars, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ talented third-year guard, Collin Sexton, who was waiting for his first nomination in the annual showcase of the best in the league, overcame each – and, most importantly, contributed to winning in the process. The Cavs keep going like him. Sexton led Cleveland to his fourth consecutive victory on Monday, beating staggering Houston Rockets 101-90.
“He wouldn’t let us lose,” said coach JB Bickerstaff of Sexton. “They make things difficult for you because they have some good individual defenders and they switch over the distance and it becomes where you have to beat your man. Collin has the ability to beat his man. He was incredible for us tonight. “
Not even a smashed lip that required stitches in the interval could slow Sexton. They don’t call him “Young Bull” for nothing.
Sexton scored 39 points, including 13 in the fourth period while kicking 12 out of 20 on the field, 4 out of 8 in the 3 point range and 11 out of 15 on the foul line to go with eight assists and three rebounds and two steals in 42 minutes.
On February 23, the beginning of the Cleveland turnaround, recovering from a series of unfortunate and uncompetitive defeats of 10 games, Sexton considered that night’s game against the Hawks to be a must win. He promised to keep the team competitive. He has. Monday was his ninth game in a row with 20 or more points. It was the first time he had reached the 30-point mark since his career game against the Brooklyn Nets more than a month ago. During this winning streak, Sexton felt more like himself. He has averaged 29.7 points in the last four.
Sexton’s performance overshadowed John Wall’s 32-point record of the season. This helped the Cavaliers to overcome 21 losses in value that turned into 24 points in Houston. That wiped out a sloppy and uninspired second quarter, in which the attack failed, scoring just 17 points.
Darius Garland, Sexton’s court mate, shook an out-of-rhythm opening linked to a dirty problem. Garland scored 10 of his 14 points in the third quarter before limping off the court with a minor groin injury. Garland, who also had seven assists, returned in the fourth period. Jarrett Allen had his eighth consecutive double-double, coinciding with the replacement of the disabled Andre Drummond. Allen finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds in 31 minutes.
There were many reasons behind Cavs’ pre-All-Star outbreak. Best defense is one. Cleveland held the Rockets below the 100 point limit and limited them to 40.8% shooting and 32.3% beyond the arc. A revised offense that saw yet another commitment to the 3 points is another. The Cavs was 10:30 pm on Monday night. Dean Wade starting as a striker cannot be overlooked, giving the team a more natural option with Larry Nance Jr. (fractured left hand) and Kevin Love (sore calf) both sidelined. Wade scored eight points and made two trebles.
But Sexton playing as an All-Star – although he was not selected – has been the epicenter. Cleveland last won four consecutive games was in the 2017-18 season. That was LeBron James’ last season in Cleveland and months before Sexton arrived as the first piece of this reconstruction. Now Sexton is the “cultural backbone” – to use a phrase that members of the organization often use – and the barometer of team success.
Next
The Cavs will host the Indiana Pacers in the first half final on Wednesday night. Delivery is scheduled for 19h
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