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Cavs Loss Brings Up At Least 3 Concerns

By Jared Mueller

Feb 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after he was hit in the head by center Timofey Mozgov (20) in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after he was hit in the head by center Timofey Mozgov (20) in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers loss to the Detroit Pistons brought up at least 3 concerns. Are the Cavs concerns big or small?

The Cavs 96 – 88 loss made sense in a lot of ways. After destroying the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pistons were not seen as a big deal. Instead of cake walking over their division foes, the Cavs were controlled by them.

All five of the Pistons starters scored in double figures, as did Stanley Johnson coming off the bench. Reggie Jackson, the gunner point guard, had 23 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds. Tobias Harris, who was destroyed early in the game by Kevin Love in the post, had a game-best +16 in his second game in Detroit. Andre Drummond‘s presence was clearly felt on both ends of the court with 16 points and 15 rebounds.

Three Cavs Concerns:

1. LeBron James Age/Back to Backs

In what many described as his worst game, LeBron both physically and mentally looked out of it most of the game. He had spurts of energy but was a non-factor most of the time.

He ended the game with 12 points 8 rebounds and 5 assists. He also had 6 turnovers, a -4 plus/minus while shooting 5-18 from the field and 0-4 from deep.

His shooting continues to be a big concern, allowing opponents to play off of him at most times. It reminds us of the LeBron at a very young age who the Spurs figured out they could let him shoot and back off of him in his first NBA Finals.

His turnovers and defense was horrendous. On the back end of a back to back, he physically seemed unable to go at his normal rate. That is a concern for the wear and tear long term on LBJ’s body.

When LBJ isn’t engaged mentally, his leadership is bad and tends to cascade down.

2. When Kyrie Irving Gets Going, Cavs Stagnate

Kyrie almost brought the Cavs back almost by himself in the 4th quarter. After only playing a few minutes the night before, Irving was the freshest Cav last night. The concern came that as Irving started getting warmed up, the rest of the Cavs stood still.

While in the motion of the offense, Irving and the Cavs have played great together. When Irving tries to take over, he almost doesn’t pass unless he is forced into a pass after being trapped or walled off after a drive. Irving at his best scores points in amazing ways but tends to lead to a stagnate offense which is the opposite of the Cavs’ goals.

It also can tire him out that he is too tired to play defense after spending most of the shot clock trying to beat his man, or the entire opponent’s defense.

3. Kevin Love is Great, Then Forgotten

Early in the game was all about Kevin Love. Love in the post, Love on the elbow and Love from deep. The Cavs made the focus getting the ball to Love, especially in the post against Harris.

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Love had the Cavs 14 points and was getting pretty easy looks throughout the first quarter. Since then he had 10 points in the final 3 quarters which included far less shots and touches than expected. He got only got 3 shot attempts in the 4th quarter including only 2 from deep.

When Love is going, it opens up a ton for everyone else. The same with LeBron at times. Love’s abilities can get people going by passing the ball from the post or elbow.

The Cavs have to be consistent which includes keeping Love engaged throughout the game.

What concerns did you have after the Cavs loss last night?