The Cleveland Cavaliers faced a tough loss against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, falling 112-105 in a game that exposed some of our offensive weaknesses. Despite a valiant comeback effort, we couldn’t overcome a disastrous first quarter that saw us score only 15 points.
Our three-point shooting was particularly problematic, as we finished the game at a mere 28% from beyond the arc. Against an elite team like the Celtics, who are currently favored to win the NBA Finals, such poor shooting simply won’t cut it. We need to not only improve our accuracy but also increase our volume of three-point attempts to compete at the highest level.
Defensively, we held our own, limiting the Celtics to 112 points. However, we allowed too many three-point attempts, with Boston launching 48 shots from deep. This is an area we must address if we hope to contend with the Celtics in a potential playoff series.
Evan Mobley’s Performance
Evan Mobley had a particularly rough outing against the Celtics. His struggles were evident from the start, missing his first seven shots and never quite finding his rhythm. What stood out most was Mobley’s lack of aggressiveness, which is uncharacteristic of his usual play.
While it’s important not to overreact to one bad game, Mobley’s performance against the Celtics raises some concerns. His ability to bounce back and play with confidence in future matchups against top-tier teams will be crucial for our success.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the trade deadline, there’s speculation about potential moves to bolster our wing depth. The absence of Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro was felt in this game, highlighting our need for additional perimeter options.
Despite this setback, it’s essential to remember that we’ve shown resilience throughout the season. Our ability to fight back from a 20-point deficit demonstrates the team’s character. Moving forward, we need to focus on starting games stronger and maintaining our offensive efficiency, especially against elite competition.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Cavs’ performance against the Celtics, tune into the Locked On Cavs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Cavs Podcast:
• Trade deadline speculation and potential targets
• Jarrett Allen’s strong performance despite the loss
• Upcoming matchups and their significance in the playoff race
