TITLE: Cavaliers Question Intensity After Home Defeat to Undermanned Celtics
SLUG: cavaliers-effort-concerns-after-celtics-loss
CONTENT:
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ frustration hit a new high Sunday night after a 113-105 home loss to the shorthanded Boston Celtics dropped the team to 12-9, leaving it in early play-in position despite preseason expectations of contending for the Eastern Conference crown.
“I just think we’re in cruise control,” second-year wing Jaylon Tyson said postgame. “We’re one of the most talented teams in the NBA, but talent doesn’t win championships.” Tyson questioned the club’s competitiveness after Boston, playing without injured starters Derrick White and Neemias Queta and on the second night of a back-to-back, built a 21-point cushion before Cleveland’s late rally.
Injuries have added to Cleveland’s sluggish start. The team announced Sunday that reserve forward Larry Nance Jr. will miss three to four weeks with a right calf strain, while starting center Jarrett Allen is out at least one week because of a strained right finger. Sharpshooter Sam Merrill has sat the past five games with a sprained right hand and remains day-to-day.
Despite those setbacks, the Cavaliers acknowledge effort has been inconsistent. Evan Mobley, who recorded 27 points and 14 rebounds, said, “Everyone wants to be the best we can be, but right now we’re not. We’ve got to find a way to fix that.”
Cleveland won a league-leading 64 games last season but was bounced by Indiana in the second round, renewing questions about the group’s toughness. Those concerns persist, as head coach Kenny Atkinson cited recurring issues with transition defense and rebounding while maintaining, “the sky is not falling.”
Bench units again provided the spark against Boston, a pattern Tyson noted should not be necessary. “It shouldn’t be us having to bring energy every time,” he said. “Everybody has to pour into this thing.”
Source: HoopsRumors
