The Cleveland Cavaliers have lost their first two games this season. This is not necessarily a surprise. Cleveland faced Toronto and Minnesota on the road to start the year and both teams are considered to be superior to the Cavaliers. However there is a common theme in the two losses. Poor performances in the second quarter.
Cavaliers opening night loss to the Raptors
In the season opener against the Raptors, Cleveland was outscored 32-22 in the second quarter. In the end the Cavaliers would go on to lose by eight. Being outscored by 10 points was essentially the difference in the game. Granted overall the team did not play up to the level that they need to win, the poor performance in the second quarter does matter. The Cavaliers only shot 40 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from three-point range. This is not good enough to win unless the other team shots worse, but that did not happen. Toronto shot 48.9 and 42.4 percent respectively.
Second consecutive loss, this time to Minnesota
In Friday’s loss to Minnesota, again the second quarter was a problem area. Cleveland was outscored 39-24, a 15 point difference. The final score being 131-123, again the shortcomings in the second quarter ultimately impacted the end result. This time Cleveland shot much better, with a field goal percentage of 48.4. However their three-point percentage dropped to 34.8, a decrease of two percent. For reference Minnesota 50.6 percent from the field and 40 percent from deep. Again the Cavaliers faced an offense that was more effective than their own and the final score showed just that.
Second quarter shortcomings impact the fourth quarter
If the Cavaliers are able to perform better in the second quarter the difference on the scoreboard would not as drastic when it comes to the closing minutes of the game. If they are able to keep the deficit in that quarter to a smaller number the tactics used in the fourth quarter will not be as drastic. Instead of a handful of desperation shots from deep, they can run their offense. This makes a huge difference. Surprisingly the Cavaliers look like a competent offensive team when running plays this season. Lots of ball movement and offensive sets that find shooters open all over the floor and not just standing behind the three-point line ready to shoot a shoot from deep.
Hopefully in their next contest the Cavaliers will not be outscored by such a large number again. Considering they face the lowly Hawks at home that is entirely possible. In fact Cleveland may win their first game of the season on Sunday. Just as long as they do not collapse in the second quarter for the third consecutive game, a victory could indeed happen for their home opener.
