Cleveland Cavaliers: Takeaways from a loss to the Boston Celtics

Collin Sexton doesn’t know how to use his skills.

Sexton has been very impressive since he’s taken over the starting role. Coming into Friday’s game he has put up 18.9 points per game with an effective field goal percentage of 50.6 percent, per NBA.com. However, a game like this one shows that he doesn’t know how to play even though he can play.

Sexton did a good job of attacking the paint early even though he wasn’t finishing like he would want to. The Celtics responded by packing the paint and trying to force Sexton to go one-on-five. The rookie didn’t know how to respond. As a result, we saw multiple bad possessions including an awful one where he pounded the ball into the ground for nearly 24 straight seconds without any type of plan.

Rookie guards, no matter how high they’re drafted, generally have a tough time adjusting to the NBA. That learning curve is even steeper for undersized point guards. Guys like Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Tony Parker, and Kemba Walker really struggled their rookie years before going on to have outstanding careers.

Sexton’s struggles aren’t surprising, but there are issues that need to addressed. The rookie has shown that his skills can translate to the NBA level, but for the first time in his basketball career he can’t dominate with those skills alone.

Sexton is only 19 years old and has a bright future in this league. However, the difference between being good and being great will depend on how he learns and adjusts to being a point guard in this league. Every game is a learning experience that head coach Larry Drew will need to use to get the most out of his skilled point guard. Unfortunately Friday night’s lesson was maybe the toughest one yet.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be back in action Saturday night as they host Kawhi Leonard and the red-hot Toronto Raptors.