Success in the NBA playoffs is all about making adjustments and staying two steps ahead of your opponents.
So far with the Cleveland Cavaliers. JB Bickerstaff I failed to do this. Cleveland was strong in Games 1 and 2, but the Orlando Magic adapted and dominated in Games 3 and 4.
It’s time for Wine and Gold to change things up, and that starts with rotation.
Bickerstaff currently operates with an eight-man rotation. Darius Garland, donovan mitchell, max strass, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Caris Levert, Isaac Okoroand Georges Niang.
The starting five will probably not be touched, but who comes off the bench could be an issue going forward.
Niang is currently playing 18.4 minutes, averaging 3.5 points and 1.5 rebounds, shooting 22.7 percent from the field and 9.1 percent from 3-point range. He also averages one turnover per game.
As great as Niang was as a role player in the locker room and during the regular season, it’s clear he just doesn’t match up well against the Magic.
Some of these minutes are marcus morris senior He is a player acquired by the Cavaliers through the buyout market. Playing Morris instead of Niang wouldn’t change anything stylistically for the defense, and he would still provide a lot of floor spacing to help the offense.
Sam Merrill He is also a player who deserves to play more. This is what fans have been saying for the past two months.
April 20, 2024. Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill, 5, takes a shot during the second quarter of Game 1 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. It is said that Required Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
David Richard – USA TODAY Sports
The Cavs need more offense, and Merrill could provide just that. He finished the regular season with a 40% 3-point percentage on 5.8 attempts per game.
Opponents noticed Merrill’s influence. Either they open them up and he knocks down uncontested threes, or they guard him to open up other opportunities in the process. This floor spacing and effectiveness is much needed, especially with Strauss struggling in the playoffs for the Cavs.
These probably aren’t the exact same changes that will be made in Game 5, but it’s clear that something needs to change.
