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Cavs Top 3: Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland dig Cavaliers a deep hole against the Knicks

By Chad Porto

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 24: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers directs his teammates in the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 24: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers directs his teammates in the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers fell apart against the New York Knicks.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in trouble. After dropping a winnable game against the New York Knicks, 105-103, the Cavs fell to 29-20 on the season. Not only that, but the Cavs over their last 16 games are just 7-9 dating back to their Dec. 31 win over the Bucks. Since that late-December win, it’s been below .500 basketball in Cleveland.

The issue has largely been the play of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell when they’re on the court together. The pair, offensively, are a great pair, but defensively they are among the worst in the league. While both players in lineups without one another can play solid defense, together they’re just too exposed.

The Cavs often start games off struggling to play good defense, and over the last 16 games have been outscored 471 to 418 in the first quarter. They’re given up nearly 30 points in the first quarter alone while posting a BPM of -4 in the process.

The issue will continue to be Garland and Mitchell’s inability to play next to one another defensively for as long as JB Bickerstaff allows it to be. Staggering their minutes, using Cedi Osman and Dean Wade more in starting lineups, and off the bench, while not giving up on the bench crew just because the starters blew the lead have all gotta be things that change for this team before a trade is even considered.

Related Story. Cavs Top 3: Evan Mobley gets historic against the Bucks. light

Cleveland Cavaliers top 3 vs. the New York Knicks

1 Point – Isaac Okoro

31 minutes, 9 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists +18 BPM
.600/.333/.666

2 Points – Darius Garland

35 minutes, 22 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, +20 BPM
.352/.333/.800

3 Points –Jarrett Allen

39 Minutes, 24 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, +15 BPM
.705/.000/.000

Cavs Top 3 Seasonal Standings

  1. Darius Garland – 55 Points
  2. Donovan Mitchell –54 Points
  3. Evan Mobley & Jarrett Allen – 33 points
  4. Cedi Osman – 31 points
  5. Caris LeVert & Kevin Love – 20 Points
  6. Isaac Okoro – 13 Points
  7. Dean Wade – 3 Points
  8. Lamar Stevens & Raul Neto – 2 Points
  9. Ricky Rubio – 1 Point

3 trades the Cleveland Cavaliers could offer to bring back Bojan Bogdanovic. dark. Next

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