Cleveland Cavaliers grappling with injuries and shooting struggles as playoff aspirations waver
The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in a precarious position this season. After finishing atop the Eastern Conference last year, the team currently sits at 14-11, holding onto the seventh seed. While their record is a slight disappointment, the season is still in its infancy, offering the Cavaliers a window to address their issues before panic sets in. Here’s a look at three critical adjustments they can make to revitalize their campaign.
Addressing the three-point shooting slump
One glaring issue for the Cavaliers has been their struggles from beyond the arc. Over the past few weeks, they have hit only 34.3% of their three-point attempts, ranking 23rd in the league. With Donovan Mitchell at the helm, and sharpshooters like Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, and Craig Porter in the mix, this level of inefficiency is perplexing.
Tyson has emerged as a bright spot, boasting a remarkable 46% shooting percentage from deep. Merrill and Porter also contribute with over 40% accuracy. However, the rest of the roster has yet to find their rhythm, with many players significantly trailing behind. This shooting slump has not only hindered the Cavaliers’ offensive flow but has also led to long rebounds and fast-break opportunities for opponents.
To regain their offensive potency, the Cavaliers need to rethink their approach. They could consider adjusting their shooting schemes, decreasing the number of three-point attempts per game, or even pursuing a trade for a reliable shooter. Whatever the solution, a change is necessary to elevate their game and restore their offensive identity.
Navigating the injury woes
Injuries have been a persistent challenge for the Cavaliers this season. Darius Garland has been battling a toe issue, affecting his performance when he is on the court. Max Strus has yet to make his season debut, while Jarrett Allen has missed multiple games due to a hand injury. Sam Merrill is currently sidelined, and Larry Nance is out for several weeks with a calf injury.
Moreover, Lonzo Ball’s participation is being carefully managed due to his injury history, limiting his availability. It has become increasingly rare to see the Cavaliers field a fully healthy roster. While it might be acceptable for the team to tread water during the regular season, the focus must be on ensuring players return to full strength for a late-season surge and playoff push. The recent break may have provided an opportunity for some players to recuperate, but until they are back, the Cavaliers will rely heavily on their depth.
Increasing Jaylon Tyson’s offensive involvement
Jaylon Tyson’s ascent this season has been one of the most encouraging developments for the Cavaliers. His energy on the court and growing role as a vocal leader have been invaluable, particularly during challenging stretches. Tyson’s shooting efficiency is impressive, leading the team in three-point percentage and maintaining a shooting clip above 50% among regular contributors.
Despite his strong performance, Tyson ranks seventh on the team in field goals attempted per game, trailing behind Allen and Merrill. Given his contributions, it’s time for the Cavaliers to elevate his role in their offensive strategy. Increasing his shot attempts to the range of 12-15 per game, akin to the volume enjoyed by De’Andre Hunter and Evan Mobley, could significantly impact the team’s dynamics. Tyson’s ability to inject energy and efficiency into the lineup could be the spark the Cavaliers desperately need to turn their season around.
As the Cavaliers look to navigate these challenges, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether they can regain their form and make a push for the postseason.
