The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 136-131 on Wednesday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, yet head coach Kenny Atkinson left the floor more worried than relieved.
“If we’re going to defend like this, we’re going to have a short playoff stint,” Atkinson told reporters. “Right now we think we can just outscore people. In the postseason, it’s not that easy.”
Mitchell’s 42 can’t mask concerns
Donovan Mitchell poured in 42 points on 14-of-22 shooting, including 7-for-11 from three-point range. Still, the All-Star echoed his coach’s frustration. “We gave up 131 points,” Mitchell said. “Even when we got stops, we weren’t rebounding. It’s a mentality, it’s a decision.”
Atkinson signals possible rotation shake-up
The coach emphasized that playoff minutes will hinge on defensive effort. “Those who don’t defend won’t play,” he said, brushing aside the absence of injured center Jarrett Allen as an excuse.
Offense rolls again
- James Harden delivered 26 points and seven assists, highlighted by a mid-air, behind-the-back pass that set up Max Strus for a three-pointer.
- Evan Mobley went 8-for-8 from the field for 19 points and nine rebounds, finishing several possessions with powerful dunks.
- Sam Merrill also scored 19, while Strus added 11. Reserve center Thomas Bryant supplied energy off the bench.
The victory moved Cleveland to 45-27 and extended its winning streak to four, though defensive issues have lingered for much of the season.
Injury notes
Atkinson said before tip-off that Allen is “getting closer” to returning. Rookie Jaylon Tyson (toe) is not expected to be sidelined long.
Magic keep pace behind Banchero
Orlando (38-34) stayed within range thanks to 36 points from Paolo Banchero. The forward’s scoring barrage repeatedly challenged Cleveland’s interior defense.
What’s next
The Cavaliers host the Miami Heat on Wednesday, another chance, Atkinson noted, to “shore up the defense” before the postseason.
Source: Hoops Wire
