Game Night Observations: The Small Lineup, And Championship Aspirations

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 11-0, but a winning streak in November isn't the primary goal of this team.

In most ways, Cleveland’s 105-100 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday was the worst game they’ve played this season. The first quarter was a mirage thanks to a hot shooting start, followed by two near-lifeless quarters just before and after halftime. After leading by 15 points in the middle of the second quarter, the Nets went on a 30-5 run. 

The team couldn’t buy a three-pointer in the second half, All-Star center Jarrett Allen had a poor night, and Brooklyn’s defensive pressure forced the Cavs into playing the style the Nets wanted, not the other way around. 

Nothing the Cavs were doing in the second half was working. 

Until head coach Kenny Atkinson tried something new.