Hoops Habit
Fansided

Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 keys to Collin Sexton’s recent surge

By Ryan Piers

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 11: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Quicken Loans Arena on March 11, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 11: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Quicken Loans Arena on March 11, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

3. Score-first mindset

Sexton has 16 or more field goal attempts in each his past six games. It’s an uptick from his average of 14.3 field goal attempts per game for the season. Offsetting more shots is a slight dip in his assist numbers, from 2.9 per game on the season to 2.3 a night during this stretch. Basically, Sexton is passing less, shooting more and scoring more points.

It’s a double-edged sword.

Yes, you want your point guard playing aggressively. The Russell Westbrooks and Damian Lillards catalyze two of the top-10 scoring teams in the league. But both average more than six assists per game, with Westbrook leading the NBA in that category.

The one knock on Sexton’s outstanding streak is he is only averaging 2.3 assists per game. Then again, he’s shooting 55.7 percent since March 8. Most coaches would probably give him the green light every possession.

That seems to be head coach Larry Drew‘s perspective. He recently labeled Sexton as a “score-first” point guard with no reserves about it. His teammates seem to be on board, which a visibly exhausted Sexton gave them kudos for their support following the Pistons game.

All seems hunky dory for now. Let’s see how everyone feels when — or if — Sexton cools off.

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers