The Cleveland Cavaliers have experienced a challenging start to the NBA season, holding a record of 14-11. Expectations were high after entering the year with championship ambitions. However, their performance has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Darius Garland’s Struggles and Insights from Terry Pluto
All-Star guard Darius Garland has been under scrutiny since returning from a serious foot injury. His recent performances have fallen short of expectations, prompting commentary from Terry Pluto, a columnist for El-Balad.
Performance Analysis
In the last five games, Garland’s shooting statistics have been concerning. He recorded a mere 7-for-30 from 3-point range, translating to less than 25%. Additionally, his overall field goal percentage is around 34%. Most alarmingly, his plus-minus rating has been persistently negative throughout these games.
- 3-point shooting percentage: less than 25%
- Overall field goal percentage: 34%
- Consistently negative plus-minus rating
Pluto has noted that Garland’s foot injury seems to be hindering his performance. He remarked on the lack of quickness that once defined Garland’s game, crucial for his success as an All-Star.
Defensive Concerns and Team Dynamics
Garland’s challenges are not isolated. His defensive struggles have contributed to the team’s larger issues. According to Pluto, opponents have been profiling Garland as a weak defensive link, exploiting mismatches through pick-and-roll situations.
Pluto references the coaching insights of Chris Fedor, emphasizing how opposing teams target Garland during critical moments. This contributes to a larger image of a disorganized team overall, with Pluto describing the Cavaliers as “discombobulated.”
Issues with Shot Selection
The Cavs currently lead the league in 3-point attempts while ranking 22nd in 3-point shooting percentage. Pluto critiqued their shot selection, asserting that many attempts could be substituted for higher-quality shots inside the paint.
Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson has echoed these sentiments, indicating that several opportunities for better shot choices are left unutilized each game.
Potential Solutions Moving Forward
Pluto suggests a controversial but strategic approach: resting Darius Garland to allow his foot to heal completely. He believes this could benefit both the player and the team in the long run. A reset appears necessary, as Garland struggles to execute his signature floaters effectively.
Upcoming Schedule and Opportunities
The Cavaliers have an essential week ahead, with practice time available to reassess their strategies. They face winnable games against:
- Washington
- Charlotte
- Twice against Chicago
If they can address their shortcomings, there is potential for improvement in their performance. The upcoming schedule presents a vital opportunity for the Cavaliers to recalibrate and find their winning form.
