6. Avoiding Slow Fourth-Quarter Starts
In their January 14 loss at San Antonio, the Cavaliers scored on a layup in the first 20 seconds of the fourth quarter to take a 75-72 lead. From then on it was all downhill as the Spurs went on a 15-2 run to take control of the contest, with the Cavs managing just two free throws in a six-minute span. Prior to that, Cleveland was going toe-to-toe with a team that had won 31 straight on their home floor. If they reach the NBA Finals, they’ll have to win at least once on the road.
The Cavaliers avoided a stumble against the Pistons, who scored the first five points of the fourth quarter and had held a seven-point lead with 11 minutes left. Cleveland can’t afford to do that as they go deeper in the playoffs, since they’ll be facing more and more seasoned teams.
Next: Solid Ball Movement
