Cavaliers Struggle at the Free-Throw Line as Rockets Extend Winning Streak
The Cleveland Cavaliers recently found themselves on the wrong side of a 114-104 defeat against the Houston Rockets, marking the end of their brief two-game winning streak. This loss dropped the Cavaliers to a 10-6 record, while the Rockets continued their impressive run, claiming their fifth consecutive victory and improving to a remarkable 10-1 after a rocky start to the season that saw them at 0-2.
Free-Throw Woes Haunt the Cavaliers
One glaring issue for the Cavaliers during this matchup was their abysmal performance at the free-throw line. Currently ranked 26th in the NBA for free-throw shooting percentage, the Cavs struggled significantly, converting only 20 of their 32 attempts. Evan Mobley, who contributed 18 points and six rebounds, had a particularly tough night, going just 4-for-10 from the charity stripe.
In contrast, the Rockets showcased their proficiency at the line, successfully making 23 out of 27 free throws. This stark difference in free-throw shooting underscores a critical area of concern for Cleveland as they look to find consistency in their game.
Mitchell Stands by Mobley Amidst Struggles
Despite the free-throw struggles, Donovan Mitchell came to the defense of Mobley in the postgame discussion. He acknowledged Mobley’s efforts to draw fouls and get to the line, highlighting the importance of capitalizing on those opportunities.
Mitchell reflected on the mental aspect of free-throw shooting, sharing his own experiences of facing similar challenges. “Ev did a solid job of getting to the line. You gotta make them. I’ve had nights where I missed 4 or 5. I missed 3 in the playoffs last year, in a row,” he stated, emphasizing the psychological hurdle that can accompany free-throw shooting.
The Cavaliers now face the task of addressing their free-throw inefficiencies as they prepare for their upcoming games, with hopes of regaining their footing in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
