Cavs Set Franchise Record: Points in a Quarter
Just when you think the offense can't get any better, Cleveland seems to beat their best, top the records that they already have achieved. The most impressive part: tonight's record-setting quarter was without a key piece of our offensive attack: Evan Mobley. So how did they do it?
1. Pace, pace, pace and even more pace
The Cavs are playing faster than we have ever seen them play. They are top 6 in the NBA in pace (100.78), moving the ball up the court rapidly. This creates more possessions and scoring opportunities on the other end. We often see the ball past half court with 20+ seconds on the shot clock, allowing for more time to create an advantage in the half court. Quick guards like Garland, Mitchell, Levert and Jerome allow them to play this fast. Furthermore, the squad often finds the head man, pushing the ball ahead to create advantages in transition. This can work very well when powerful bigs like Mobley and Allen are trailing behind for a possible dump-off.
2. The best offensive backcourt in basketball?
Garland and Mitchell combine for a deadly attack. They are effective on the court together and when their minutes are staggered. In the first quarter, Garland dropped 15 points and Mitchell scored 11. They force the defense to respect each other's three point abilities, while both are threats to drive. Each member of the backcourt are above-average playmakers, meaning the opposition has a lot to track during a Cavalier possession. Both guards have player-of-the-week awards early in the season, largely because of their clutch factors. These guys have hit game-winners, but they also make clutch shots in timely possessions all throughout the game. Whenever Cleveland needs scoring, offensive production or creation, Garland and Mitchell are arguably the best duo to fall back on this season.
3. Cavalanche inside the paint
Cleveland went 19-22 in the first quarter tonight, thats over 85 percent. 24 points were scored in the paint during this quarter, and it largely comes from attacking close-outs on the perimeter. With no Mobley tonight, they were not feeding the bigs inside like they can, but tonight's efficiency inside displays how balanced the offensive attack can be. The Cavs are comfortable driving and finding cutters from the corner or bigs sitting in the dunker spot. Mitchell is a great finisher inside and Garland's greatest stride this season may be his confidence finishing at the cup, whether that be a float shot or a crafty move. Lastly, the bench shot perfectly in the first quarter. This is reflective of how reliable the second unit has been all season. Kenny Atkinson has been able to lean on a long line of players coming off the bench - that first quarter was LeVert and Jerome.
The Cavs would end up squandering their spectacular start as the Chicago Bulls would create a close game going down the stretch. But, in classic Cavalier fashion, Cleveland pulled out the win 144-126. The streak continues.
14-0.