The Cavs host the Pelicans at 7:30 pm on Tuesday.
The Cleveland Cavaliers finally got themselves back into the win column last night with a 139-132 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Tonight, they have a chance to make it two in a row for the first time since before Thanksgiving.
Here are three things to watch for against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Building Momentum
The Cavs took a step in the right direction last night. The defense might have lagged behind, but the offense was humming and we saw visions of the old Cavaliers for the first time in months.
That can’t be a one-time occurrence.
It’s time for the Cavs to start building some serious momentum. Especially considering they have to play the New York Knicks on Christmas Day. This is their last chance to get it right before taking on a big stage. Winning tonight against the Pelicans would have them feeling much better entering that matchup.
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Don’t Sleep on the Pels
Look, the Pelicans haven’t done much this season to be proud of. Their 8-22 record is 13th in the Western Conference. But, more than half of their wins have all come in this current streak for the Pels.
That’s right, the Pelicans are in the middle of a five-game winning streak. They’ve beaten the Blazers, Bulls, Rockets, Pacers and Mavericks along the way. Those aren’t all powerhouses, but they aren’t scrubs either. And a five-game winning streak is impressive, no matter the opponent.
All this to say — the Cavs have to earn it tonight. The Pelicans are playing fantastic basketball as of late, and this won’t be a cakewalk.
Three-Point Shooting
I don’t have to tell you that Cleveland has struggled to shoot the three-pointer this season. The team recently fell as low as 28th in three-point percentage despite being among the league leaders in three-point attempts. That’s a bad combo.
Last night, however, the Cavs started to flip the tables
Cleveland drilled 24-of-44 three-point attempts against the Hornets. That’s by far their best shooting performance of the season and just two shy of tying a franchise record. The law of averages swung back into their favor in a big way.
Can they keep this up? Or, maybe more realistically, find a healthy balance? Don’t get me wrong, I’d take another 55% shooting night. But, I’d almost rather the team settle into a sustainable groove. How’s 42%? Can they do that against the Pelicans?
Category: General Sports
