The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a bumpy start to the season. They’ll look to steady the ship once again as they host the Milwaukee Bucks at 7 pm.
Slowing Giannis Antetokounmpo
There is no easy way to slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo. Many teams have tried, and many teams have failed. But the Cavs will have to avoid getting steamrolled by Antetokounmpo if they want to win this game.
The two-time MVP is averaging a career-high 32.6 points, 11.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists on 63% shooting. He’s putting immense pressure on the rim, leading
the league in two-point field goals. Antetokounmpo scored 40 points in his only other game against the Cavs this season.
Cleveland has the personnel to contain Giannis. Two rim-protecting bigs who can form a wall and make it more difficult for him to nestle into the paint. Of course, this is easier said than done. Giannis has scored 30+ points in 8 of his last 9 games against the Cavs.
Containing shooters
It’s harder to defend the three-point line when you have to worry about Giannis charging towards the basket. But the Cavs can’t afford to lose track of Milwaukee’s shooters. The Bucks rank second in three-point percentage this season and led the league last year.
AJ Green is shooting the lights out. He’s 18th in the NBA for threes per game and is shooting above 43% from deep. He and Gary Trent Jr. have spaced the floor and kept Milwaukee’s offense churning. Myles Turner has also filled in as a stretch five.
The Cavs currently rank 24th in opponent three-point percentage, meaning opponents are shooting the sixth-best percentage from three against Cleveland. Watch for how well the Cavs can scramble to contest against shooters tonight.
Getting Evan Mobley rolling
This is something to watch for all season. But especially right now.
Mobley’s role has felt inconsistent. The Cavs are still figuring out how to ramp up his usage in a way that feels natural. That’s led to a roller coaster start to the year, where Mobley is either way too involved or totally absent on a night-to-night basis.
There is a healthy balance somewhere. The Cavs have come close to finding it in early November. But the scales have been out of whack for the last few games. I’m looking for Mobley to find his groove again, sooner rather than later.
