The Cleveland Cavaliers started the new NBA season off hot after dropping their season opener to the Toronto Raptors they went on to win eight straight games until they lost to the Los Angeles Clippers on the west coast.
Now the Cavaliers have lost two straight games after falling to the Sacramento Kings last night in a very poor performance all around from the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers gave up the ball around 20 times and let the Kings get anything they wanted on the offensive end. This was an ugly look for the Cavaliers and has some fans worried.
The Cavaliers’ head coach J.B. Bickerstaff had some words for the media following an embarrassing loss. “We didn’t come out and play the game purposefully,” Bickerstaff explained following the 127-120 loss. “We’ve gotten into this habit — and it’s my responsibility to be better — of allowing people to just play freely to start games and then think that we’re going to turn it on in the second half. That’s arrogant basketball. You can’t survive in the NBA playing that way.” as reported by Cleveland.com.
J.B. Stepping Up
Bickerstaff did what any great head coach would do and pinned the loss on himself. At the end of the day, the season is still young and the Cavaliers are still in second place in the Eastern Conference, but the Boston Celtics are tied with Cleveland as they both possess a record of 8-3. The Cavaliers need this off day to regroup and refocus as they head to the bay area to take on their old rivals Steph Curry and The Golden State Warriors. The Cavs need to get back to their roots and start playing team basketball again. Not hero ball and not playing selfishly on defense but playing as a team and for each other.
When the Cavaliers play for each other great things happen as we saw them win eight games in a row. Maybe they need a deeper rotation or maybe Mitchell and Garland need more rest before crunch time. It could be a mix of those things.
Where Is The Love?
For example where was Kevin Love at the end of the game? Cleveland’s veteran player with championship experience was riding the bench during the last few minutes of the 4th quarter. something needs to change and fast as the Cleveland Cavaliers look to get back in the win column in San Fransisco after dropping their last two games.
Image Credits: Flickr.com.