On Monday night, the Cavaliers, who have an NBA-best 27-4 record and are on a six-game winning streak, take on the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. The game is the second of a four-game road trip for Cleveland, who easily defeated the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. Eastern.
For Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, Monday’s game is a kind of homecoming. Atkinson returns to the Bay Area as head coach of the Cavaliers, who have dominated the league with their offensive and defensive skills, following three seasons as Steve Kerr’s assistant. Even though Atkinson has contributed some of Golden State’s motion-heavy offense to Cleveland, both teams are looking for a big win, so the goodwill will end with the first tip.
By ranking #1 in field goal percentage (50.6%), 3-point percentage (40.9%), effective field goal percentage (59.7%), true shooting percentage (62.4%), and offensive rating (121.7), the Cavaliers have set themselves apart from the pack with a historically effective attack. Additionally, they are second in team points per game (122.7) and net rating (plus-11.4). Throughout their recent run, their offensive output—driven by their Core Four—Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen—has outperformed opponents.
Cleveland set the tone early in their last game against the Warriors on November 8th, scoring 83 points in the first half to take a 41-point advantage at the break. Cleveland’s offense played with accuracy, and Golden State’s defense was left reeling by the Cavaliers’ unrelenting ball movement. It felt like every pass resulted in a timely cut to the rim or a backbreaking shot. It will be crucial to replicate that performance on Monday.
The Warriors (16-15) have only won three of their last ten games, demonstrating their inability to be consistent. But there was some hope after a furious victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Golden State’s assault still revolves around Stephen Curry, but Cleveland’s defensive strategies have worked well against him in the past.
Cleveland restricted Curry to 12 points in their encounter in November, including just 1 of 4 from beyond the arc. Curry’s rhythm was hampered by Isaac Okoro and Garland’s toughness and speed at the point of attack, which was largely responsible for that success. The Cavaliers will once again rely on Garland, who stopped Curry to just three points (1-of-3 from the field) in 4.5 minutes of matchup data, since Okoro is out with a sprained right shoulder AC joint. Cleveland will, meanwhile, also apply its team-based philosophy. Wings like Caris LeVert and Max Strus must step up to stop Golden State’s motion offense, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen lead a strong inside defense.
It will be a crucial confrontation along the perimeter. Curry’s off-ball movement and the Warriors’ propensity for 3-point dribbling are intended to be neutralized by the Cavaliers’ switching defense. Conversely, Golden State’s defensive rotations will be put to the test by Cleveland’s ability to generate open looks with Garland’s playmaking and Mitchell’s versatility as a scorer.
The Cavaliers’ season-high 40 assists in their most recent game against Denver are a reflection of Atkinson’s emphasis on speed and selflessness. By continuing their excellent play, the Cavaliers will try to take advantage of the Warriors’ defensive shortcomings.
Imagine two coaches who are familiar with each other’s inclinations playing chess. Despite their mutual respect, Atkinson and Kerr will only have one goal in mind: winning a vital match in the heat of competition.
What you need know about the contest is as follows:
Who: Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Series: The regular season’s last meeting.
Chase Center is the location.
At 10:00 p.m. ET.
The difference in points: O/U 230.5; Cavs minus -4.5
TV: Ohio’s FanDuel Sports Network
CAVS injury report:
Out:
JT Thor (two-way); Luke Travers (two-way); Emoni Bates (two-way); Isaac Okoro (shoulder).
