Mitchell’s Locker-Room Warning Ends Cavaliers Slide; Nembhard Makes Mavericks History; Bulls Await Injury Tests
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Cleveland, Dallas and Chicago generated three distinct storylines across the NBA on Monday night.
Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers halted their four-game skid by defeating the Indiana Pacers 135-119 on Monday, one day after Donovan Mitchell delivered a forceful post-loss speech. According to Cleveland.com, Mitchell reminded teammates that opposing clubs are “coming for” individual and team accolades won last year, telling them, “We’re not the underdogs, we’re the hunted.”
Cleveland now heads home for three consecutive games, starting Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Mavericks
Two-way rookie guard Ryan Nembhard posted 28 points on 12-of-14 shooting, 10 assists and zero turnovers in the Dallas Mavericks’ upset victory in Denver. The Mavericks said Nembhard is the first undrafted rookie of the modern era to record at least 25 points and 10 assists without a turnover.
“He kind of took over the game,” head coach Jason Kidd told Dallas Hoops Journal. “He controlled the game.” Nembhard has started three of Dallas’s last four contests, averaging 17.7 points and 5.7 assists while hitting 60 percent of his three-point attempts.
In the same game, Anthony Davis finished with 32 points and 13 rebounds in his second appearance since returning from a calf strain, saying afterward, “I was tired for sure, but it’s mental.”
Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are dealing with multiple health concerns. Guard Coby White will undergo imaging on his left calf after sitting out Monday’s matchup, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Forward Zach Collins has been cleared for contact and is expected to practice with the G League’s Windy City Bulls this week as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery.
Chicago also lost Kevin Huerter early in Monday’s game against Orlando because of an adductor injury. The team did not immediately update his status.
Source: Hoops Wire
