David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Don't overreact. It's just one game. This is what I kept telling myself last night after the Cavaliers squandered a 12 point first half lead and ended up losing 110-103.
That logic is sound. It is only one game, and although they had won two straight since acquiring the new players, they are still new players. They need to get accustomed to the play calls and defensive sets. What they don't need to get accustomed to is standing around on offense while LeBron dribbles the ball. Back in LeBron's first stint with the Cavs, that was dubbed the "Stanky Leg" offense. It wasn't pretty, but it was necessary sometimes because he had no talent around him. This is not the case anymore.
The previous games on their 4 game winning streak were won with energy and movement, both on offense and defense. We didn't see a ton of that in this game. Washington had plenty of open looks, and they made the Cavs pay. On the other side of the ball, Cavs relied too heavily on iso plays and not enough passing and movement. Same old, same old. Sometimes they can overcome this, because they have the best player in the world. Many times they can't.
Hoping this was just an aberration, and they get back to what had them winning.
Why does it seem like the Wizards are playing better WITHOUT Wall?
They really are. Wall is incredibly talented, but they have learned to move the ball better without him. If they can incorporate him back in and keep this style of play, they are going to be a tough out.
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