4 keys to Cavaliers’ beatdown of Wizards on Monday night

Efficient long-range shooting and hammering the rock inside

The Cavaliers were selective in taking outside shots, logging 29 tries and 12 makes. Okoro hit a catch-and-shoot triple in the left corner and an iso banger on the opposite side. On his second 3-pointer, he jab-stepped with his right, buying inches of additional space against Monte Morris, who closed out to the corner. As soon as Morris leaned back, Okoro went up and fired away, giving Cleveland a 20-point lead.

Garland showed no mercy either from this territory. As he sized up Morris at the top, Mobley came in for a screen. Foolishly, the defense went under the pick as DG dribbled to the right wing for a wide-open triple. He ended the night making four more.

The Cavaliers were firing on all cylinders from deep, but the primary focus was to maul the interior. Mitchell, Garland, Allen and Mobley combined for 23 out of 33 shots in the paint. The exceptional ball movement played a significant role here because the pass many times was quicker than the closest defender. These four lethal options forced Washington to collapse inside more times than it should have.

The relentless attack in the paint also bought Cleveland 20 free throw attempts, giving the defense a breather and allowing it to get set on the following possession.

Postgame sound

Following the onslaught, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff credited his group’s consistency through 48 minutes sharing the ball and praised the growth of the younger players.

On the topic of where the team’s purpose comes from, Bickerstaff first mentioned growth.

He then said, “It’s understanding how important the moment is. It takes time. It takes mistakes. It takes learning, and then you get it…”

This was another impressive win by the Cavs, who are a group that look to keep things rolling after a convincing win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday prior to this last one as well.