Cavs Corner, Week 8: DEFCON 1
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Coach Kenny's typical sideline expression this year. Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images
The Cavs are 15-12, but it feels like they're 2-25.
Why it matters: Of late, they can't shoot. They can't rebound. And they only play defense one quarter per game. This is not a recipe for success!
Record: (15-12); Last week: (14-11).
Weekly slate: Win at Washington (130-126); Loss vs. Charlotte (119-111/OT).
State of play: It took a heroic scoring effort from Donovan Mitchell to overcome a 17-point deficit against the Wizards — the league's worst team.
- If that isn't depressing enough, Evan Mobley sustained a calf strain and will be out 2-4 weeks. Not great!
The latest: Jarrett Allen returned from injury Sunday and promptly set the hardest screen of the game — against teammate Darius Garland.
Stunning stat: Against the depleted Hornets, the Cavs failed to score a single point in the overtime period — only the second time in NBA history that's happened.
🫥 Weekly loser: De'Andre Hunter.
- The de facto starting small forward has been invisible since Thanksgiving. He is the latest Cavalier to fall victim to the team's shooting slump.
- Hunter shot 40% on threes last year (and nearly 43% after he was traded from the Hawks to the Cavs). This year: a paltry 30%.
Zoom out: The long-distance shooting woes are infectious.
- After Garland's 0-for-11 three-point performance Friday and Donovan Mitchell's 1-for-11 effort Sunday, the Cavs have fallen from 22nd in team three-point shooting last week to 28th this week. Yikes!
The bottom line: Coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters the sky is not falling and the team will right the ship once fully healthy.
- But it's a tough scene in Cleveland these days.
What's next: Wednesday at Chicago; Friday vs. Chicago; Monday vs. Charlotte; Tuesday vs. New Orleans.