The Cleveland Cavaliers could use a big victory here after losing eight of their last 13 games.
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Anthony Davis had 36 points and 17 rebounds for the Pelicans in the loss.
To be a little fair to Cleveland, they were without Kyle Korver and Iman Shumpert on Monday night, but it’s hard to imagine that having them available would have changed much for the Cavs.
As you can see below, LeBron went for a rebound late in the third quarter when the ball bopped him on the head and ended up in David Lee’s hands. That left the teams tied at 107 after regulation. After the game, James said he was “fine” and would play Thursday against the Bulls. “We just have to play better”.
“He don’t want the taper”, Lue said following the team’s practice Wednesday afternoon at Roosevelt University. However, if the Spurs are healthy and firing on all cylinders, it doesn’t matter who they play in the first round.
The Cavaliers traveled to San Antonio and were blown out by the Spurs, 103-74 and in the process gave up the best record in the Eastern Conference. We’ve got a couple guys that’s shown leadership, some guys that’s been in the fray before that’s giving their opinions. I’m going to go take it. “I kind of feel the same way”. If we don’t, we learn.
The loss puts Cleveland’s campaign in the East in further jeopardy, as they now fall to second place behind Boston, which currently sits at a four-game winning streak to snatch the top-seed with a 48-26 slate. That trio combined to make a dozen 3-pointers.
If Lue were to essentially scrap the rest (or most of the rest) of the regular season, Cleveland would lose homecourt advantage in all but the opening round of the playoffs.
Since the All-Star break, the Cavs’ defensive efficiency is still second worst in National Basketball Association. After the Cavaliers lost to San Antonio earlier this week, Irving and James reportedly had an “extended and emotional conversation”, according to ESPN. Leonard has scored in double figures in 100 straight games. But Leonard got plenty of help from his teammates.
Pau Gasol continued to be great off of the bench for SA while LaMarcus Aldridge was solid in his time on the floor.
Sacramento was coming off a 98-97 road victory over the Los Angeles Clippers that came courtesy a 22-3 run over the final 5:23 of the contest. Murray (left groin) will miss his ninth consecutive game Monday night.
San Antonio held the Cavaliers to a season-low 74 points on 37% shooting. The defending National Basketball Association champs have lost three of their last four in what continues to be a miserable month. Five of those eight games will be played at the AT&T Center.
“This doesn’t mean anything, it doesn’t mean we are going to win a championship, even go to the Finals”, said Leonard.
“San Antonio is a well-oiled machine and they exploit anything you are not doing well”. The NBA playoffs begin April 15. I need to demand more out of myself and do it at a high level. I think they’ll be better in the playoffs. And I want more.
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After the game, the Cavaliers mostly brushed off questions about the importance of securing the top seed in the East, saying it’s far more important to play better than they have, as they’ve gone just 7-10 since February 25.
