After winning four of five games before the All-Star break, it appeared that the Cleveland Cavaliers(14-25) had found their groove following their 10-game losing streak. However, since they have come back from the All-Star break, it has been a struggle for the Cavaliers.
On Tuesday night, Cleveland lost their third straight game after the break and their fourth overall as they fell to the Heat(22-18) on the road 113-98.
Miami had six players in double figures, including Jimmy Butler, who had a game-high 28 points. Collin Sexton led the Cavs with 21 points. Also, JaVale McGee chipped in 16 points off the bench for the Cavaliers.
Cleveland has been down by 20-plus in each of their last three games following the All-star break, so this team is really floundering. Larry Nance Jr., who scored 14 points on Monday night, is frustrated, but he believes the team must continue to fight through this rough patch.
“We just got a little adversity that we have to fight through,” Nance Jr. said after the game. “J.B.’s(Bickerstadd) frustrated, I’m frustrated; we all are, but one thing we just can’t do is quit on one another. We still believe it’s a very talented bunch.”
Despite the struggles, Nance Jr. thinks the team is staying together.
“You’re not going to break us apart,” he said. “We got really good leadership on this team.”
Cleveland will begin a four-game homestand on Wednesday night against the Celtics, so maybe a little home cooking will help this team get back on track. However, with the lack of practice time due to the current NBA schedule, young teams like the Cavs will have to figure things out on the court, which makes turning things around very difficult.
Notes:
Cleveland was again without Kevin Love, who is still battling a calf injury.
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