The Cleveland Cavaliers returned to the path of victory in the visit of the Oklahoma City Thunder (94-87). JB Bickerstaff’s team took an important victory without too many shocks in the face of their aspirations. Darius Garland, deep in the race to become an All-Star, once again led his team in scoring.
After losing to the Chicago Bulls, the Cavs recovered their good feelings and added their sixth victory in the last seven games at the expense of the Thunder. Although they finished just seven points ahead, the Cavaliers’ sense of superiority was present from the second quarter and victory was never in jeopardy.
Garland found his best game after the break. The base of the Cavs signed in the third quarter 13 points and 3 assists. All of their points came in a quarter that lasted a little over five minutes and Cleveland’s lead went from two points at halftime to 17 midway through the third quarter.
The Cavaliers could have stretched their lead even further, but they missed 8 of their 13 free throws in the fourth quarter and had seven turnovers to help keep the Thunder open. Despite this and the poor shooting game of the Cavs, they shot 6 of 27 in triples and 51.4% in free throws, their worst record of the season, the locals were able to take the victory.
Despite the win, Cavs coach JB Bickerstaff was upset by his team’s play. The coach’s words show that the franchise’s goals have been raised and that there is a higher ceiling. “We took the victory, but it was a disappointing game for us. We did not play well, nor did we enter the game with the seriousness that we needed. We can’t afford to play that way. We haven’t gotten anything yet.”
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
