The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a concerted effort to push the pace since the arrival of new pieces post-trade deadline, and that should be even more of a focus for them against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.
Cleveland head coach Tyronn Lue has consistently stressed how important it is for his team to push the pace, even when it was likely not the best idea. Since the trade deadline, though, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been able to do just that, especially with their second unit.
Cleveland’s new personnel (particularly Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson), has already shown its ability to thrive in transition, and especially with LeBron James running alongside them.
One would assume that Lue’s emphasis on pushing it whenever possible will be stressed even more against the Sixers, who are one of the better defensive teams in the NBA. Philadelphia has the fourth-best defensive rating in the league, and is first in overall rebounding percentage, per nba.com.
With Philadelphia’s size, length and rim-protection, it’s difficult to consistently score on them in the halfcourt. Even if the Cavs have LeBron.
To combat Philly’s halfcourt defensive prowess and escape the pressure of Joel Embiid, Robert Covington, T.J. McConnell, Ben Simmons and others, look for the Cavaliers to run it even more than usual after defensive rebounds.
Before the trade deadline arrivals of Clarkson, Rodney Hood, George Hill and Nance, Cleveland was playing fast but they were not efficient with their pace. Since the deadline, though, the pace has translated to more baskets from defensive rebounds and opponent turnovers on a regular basis.
Cleveland’s rotation now has players that are actually fast, they’re not just trying to play fast like before. This game could be very telling in how fast the Cavaliers will potentially be going toward the postseason, even when Kevin Love returns (who gives them outstanding outlet passing).