Dennis Schroeder focuses on the unity of the Cavs in the chase for the NBA championship

Five games with his new team, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder is undefeated in wine and gold. In an exclusive postgame interview with ClutchPoints afterward The Cavs beat the Brooklyn Nets 112-84Schroder shared that he wasn’t surprised at how quickly the group adjusted to his addition, as did fellow rookies Keon Ellis and James Harden.

“They’ve done their thing before,” Schroder told ClutchPoints. “We just tried to get involved, we just tried to make sure that we really, indeed locked in every single game. It doesn’t matter who we play; we don’t shy away from the moment, we shy away from good teams. We just play our kind of basketball and try to improve every day. I think it works.

“We just want to hit our peak in April. I think that’s the most important thing, and whatever we have to do, there are steps. We have to do it every day. Everybody has to buy in, and that’s what makes it so special right now when we’re playing at such a high level.”

Cavs All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell noticed a renewed mentality in the building at the team’s first practice after the All-Star break. Harden, Schroder and Ellis helped the guys understand the task that was presented to them.

“When you bring those guys in, they bring the level of professionalism that they’ve had in the league,” Mitchell said. “That’s what I’ve been since I’ve been in the league, and it kind of is. I just understand, ‘Hey, we’ve got a 5-on-7 coming. Yeah, we’re new and all that, but we’re also coming in there and saying, ‘Hey, it’s time to go.'”

“I think we did it professionally,” Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson added. “I know the guys have been working; it usually takes three, four, five days off. This is more like … I called it a work vacation. We’ve got to keep moving, make sure we get in the gym. I think most of the guys have done that. That’s part of the professional approach. But also, man, we’ve got some catching up to do to finish, and here’s a good start. out of the box.”

Since coming over in the Ellis trade from the Sacramento Kings, Schroder has imposed his will on the defensive end and shown his aggressiveness going downhill. Atkinson likes the contrast from the bench compared to the bigger starting five. The 13-year veteran’s biggest impact doesn’t come in the stats for this particular group or at this point in his career; everything is done how he plays (and so does Ellis) — tenaciously, relentlessly, and with an edge.

“I don’t know how many turnovers those guys had between them tonight,” Atkinson said. “Keon, I’m not sure I’ve seen that in the league. Like, he can get into the passing lane; he had three blocks tonight. I knew that was part of his stat profile, but seeing it live is impressive. We put Dennis in there and Sam (Merrill) and Keon, (and) it’s almost like a different look, with our speed and aggressiveness. that second unit because of those guys.”

“Dennis, he just takes the ball,” added Evan Mobley, who played in his first game since Jan. 26. “The small guard, I think, can turn people around and get offense going later in the shot clock. And Keon, I mean, he’s just everywhere. He got a corner-three block today; you don’t see it as much, he got on the block. Then he got an offense at the two. He just does a lot of little things that you don’t really see.

As nice as it is to see this kind of success, there’s always room for improvement, and the Cavs only have so many days to practice in the second half of the season. What will be required for maintenance momentum Cleveland has built since retooling its roster?

“I’m enjoying it,” Schroder told ClutchPoints. “Enjoy every game, every practice, making sure the chemistry is right. We enjoy each other. I think that’s the most important thing because if you have great chemistry on and off the field, it goes a long way.

“We have so much talent with this group and high-character guys, I’m not really worried about the basketball. Coming together as a group and as a unit, I think it’s going to make a big, big difference — especially in the playoffs when we’re going through tough times, and that’s really the physical part, and the mental part of it. I think we’ll be really good when we find that.”

Dennis Schroeder and Jordi Fernandez have mutual respect

Having spent just 23 games combined in Brooklyn and crossed paths internationally, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez is well aware of Schroder’s expertise.

“Dennis is the ultimate professional,” Fernandez told ClutchPoints in his pregame press conference. “We know he’s worn different jerseys, but the reality is that teams want him. Teams want him to win. Wherever he goes, for the most part, he’s been a part of success. I think that’s very important.”

“Not only in the NBA, but also with the German national team, and I had the opportunity to (coach) against him. I had a lot of respect for him when I (coached) against him, and even more respect because I had the opportunity to coach him. And not just the player, but the man and his family. I think the Cavs are very lucky to have him.”

In 2024, he averaged 18.4 points, 6.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals on .452/387/.889 shooting in just under 34 minutes per game before being traded to the Golden State Warriors. Schröder appreciates the short time he spent with Fernandez.

“Just a guy who understands what I bring to the table,” Schroder told ClutchPoints. “He made me feel comfortable. It’s one thing to say, but it means, it really means a lot to make sure the players (have) the confidence to actually play and be comfortable in their positions. He did that for me.

“I had one of my best seasons there, half a season, whatever you want to call it. But I really liked him as a coach. And a European guy, we saw the FIBA ​​side, and the NBA side, and it was great.”