Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 reasons fans should be optimistic
By Ryan Piers
1. 3-point shooting
The 3-point shot is like water for most NBA teams. They can’t live without it and die when their outside accuracy dries up.
Cleveland isn’t an exception. In fact, the Cavs might be the rule. When Cleveland hits less than 10 3-pointers in a game, it’s 3-9 this season. But when the Cavs connect on more than 10 triples, they are 32-14.
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A Cleveland publication aptly noted that the Cavs’ dominant stretch of 18 wins in 19 games earlier this season overlapped a stretch of 26 straight games with 10-plus 3-pointers. You don’t need to be a Poindexter to notice a strong correlation between 3s made and victories.
Here’s the other good news for Cleveland: In five of the last six games, the Cavs have hit more then 10 3s. The team is showing comfort from the outside, firing more than 30 3s in five of its last six games as well.
When on from the outside, the Cavs recklessly whip the basketball around the ring. They are more selfless than nuns. Teammates feel no need to play hero ball, a common trait of the squad that won last year’s Eastern Conference title.
Take a look at the 3s in the Cavs’ win over Memphis. More often than not they’re manufactured off good ball movement or a laser-like LeBron pass.
The Memphis game was a microcosm of what Cleveland’s potential is when the outside shot falls. After struggling in the first half from deep, the squad caught fire in the final 24 minutes, connecting on six 3s. It turned a tightly contested matchup into a blowout.
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It’s why Cavs writer Chris Fedor said head coach Tyronn Lue’s first objective should be “finding groups that can make at least 10 triples per game.” I couldn’t agree more.