The Cavaliers deny the remnants of the Nuggets a major heist

Can we pull off a heist against the team that pulls it off? Like against robbery? A question can be asked about the analysis of the meeting between the Nuggets and the Cavaliers. Because the former were not far from victory, not by stealing the victory, but by surprising Cleveland despite the absence of four starters (Aaron Gordon, Christian Brown, Cam Johnson and Nikola Jokic) and an important replacement (Jonas Valanciunas).

The stoppage was therefore to be won in these conditions. But, at the last moment, after a failed performance, the Cavaliers still won the betimposing himself.

“We can say we stole it a little”, admits Kenny Atkinsonwho could not be satisfied with the performance of his players. “They were better than us. So we stole the match, but we also showed our grit, our resilience. Would we have won this match three weeks ago? Probably not. We’re in a better position. We found a way to win even if she doesn’t go down in the Cavaliers’ pantheon.”

Substance or form

Coming in with success is really the only way to save the furniture since the Cavaliers’ performance has been poor. With more seriousness and authority, taking greater advantage of their dominance from the inside, they should have won the match against an opponent who was too decimated to theoretically hold out for so long.

“Our attack was very bad. It has to be said”notes the Cavaliers coach. “It was static, with isolations and no movement. We were clumsy, with a zone defense that disrupted us, disrupted our rhythm. We can’t keep the ball, make ten dribbles and shoot threes. We had a size advantage and if we serve to the big guys, they have to do better. I’m frustrated with our offense.”

The form is not good, the Cavaliers maintain the bottom, with a victory when the Nuggets do the opposite and keep the form, with a good match, without success… “We should have won”, Jamal Murray skates34 points in this game, including 28 before halftime.

“We are frustrated with this match, not because we lost, but because of the group’s effort”adds David Adelman, his trainer. “I’m very proud to have coached this team in this meet. We came to play, we were in it physically from the beginning. We were weakened in certain areas, but I try to work every night.”