“Something special is happening here”exclaimed local commentator John Michael, as soon as the buzzer sounded between Cleveland and Charlotte. Jostled for three quarters, the Cavaliers accelerated at the end of the match to once again stretch their invincibility. Kenny Atkinson’s men won their first 15 games to tie Washington (1949) and Houston (1994) for second place for the best starts in NBA history. The throne is a little further on the horizon: Golden State and its 24-0 in 2015-2016.
Not obsessed with this current series, the Cavs left Donovan Mitchell to rest, but his replacement Ty Jerome (24 points, 8 assists) slipped without problem into the empty space left by the All-Star guard. An essential contribution to knock out the Hornets of LaMelo Ball (31 points, 12 assists) and Miles Bridges (19 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists), untenable in the third quarter.
Garland finishes the job
Atkinson then switched to zone defense, a European recipe perhaps also inspired by Vincent Collet, the former coach of the Blues, and new consultant for the Ohio franchise. “That saved us, we couldn’t hold them in individual defense. This is the second or third game we’ve used it. Jarrett (Allen) can stay to protect the circle and everyone tries to hold their own piece of ground,” indicated the Cavaliers coach. With the bolts thus tightened in defense, Cleveland was able to deliver the blow thanks to Darius Garland.
After two baskets from Ball in penetration, the leader responded with two personal drives (116-107, 43rd) then a caviar for Ty Jerome alone at three points. (121-109, 46th). In the process, Brandon Miller impaled Evan Mobley while trying to dunk and Garland struck behind the arc to kill the match (124-109, 47th). Charlotte fell to five victories for eight defeats and its two Frenchmen remained discreet. Moussa Diabaté compiled 2 points and 4 rebounds in 12 minutes after a double-double on Saturday while Tidjane Salaün remained silent (0 of 3 shooting) in 15 minutes.
The NBA can rub its hands: Cleveland will put its invincibility on the line again Tuesday night in the Cup against Boston, its executioner in the Conference semi-finals last season. “ It’s great for the league, everyone will want to watch this game. We remember last season, Boston is on a good pace (11 wins – 3 losses), us too »commented Atkinson.
