Cavs ‘New 3’ Still Undefeated At Home
The Cleveland Cavaliers brought together their “Big 3” this off-season. The Cavs “New 3” was brought together during the season in the trade market. The Cavs got J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert and Timofey Mozgov in impressive moves by GM David Griffin. In exchange for Dion Waiters (struggling hardcore this year) and a 1st Round Pick (obtained for Jon Leuer) for the New 3.
Since being acquired, the Cavs are undefeated at home with the New 3. The last Cavs loss came January 7th versus the Houston Rockets. The Cavs then won their next home game, Jan. 19th versus the Chicago Bulls. They have gone 16 – 0 since that last lost in early January.
During that time Smith has locked down the Cavs shooting guard spot. He has given the team great spot up shooting, aggressive defense and solid rebounding and passing. He has performed so well that there is some concern that he will opt out of his contract at the end of the season. Why is that important? The Knicks traded Smith because they assumed he would opt IN and they didn’t want his salary next year. The Cavs, and their fans, pray he opts in at this point.
Mozgov’s impact has been just as big, if not larger (pun). Mozgov anchors the Cavs defense with his length and ability to get from one side of the lane to the other. On offense he has been the regular recipient of lobs from Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. He is under contract next season and Griffin is likely to try to extend his contract this off-season after seeing how perfect his fit is.
Shumpert’s Cavs time was delayed as they carefully took care of his shoulder. The Cavs slowed down Shumpert’s return, compared to what the Knicks were planning, to make sure he was ready for the end of the season and the playoffs. Since returning, Shumpert has shown the high intensity defense that the Cavs were hoping for. Not only that but he has slowly worked his shooting into form, coming close to the 3 and D role that many thought Shump was best made for.
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Since coming over, just at home, Smith is averaging 12.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a plus 10.8 +/-. Mozgov, at home, is putting in 12.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and a plus 12 +/- per game. Shumpert, in only 14 home games, is putting up 6.1 point, 2.2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.2 steals and a plus 6.9 +/- coming off the bench.
Some impressive numbers, no wonder the Cavs are undefeated at home with the New 3 joining the Big 3. The in-season movement by GM David Griffin is impressive and needs to be recognized with the Executive of the Year Award at the end of the season.
The home record is great and, if Atlanta gets knocked off earlier, could lead the Cavs through to the NBA Finals.
Are you surprised by the Cavs record at home with the New 3?
Stats thanks to NBA.com/stats