NBA games of the week: Annual Cavaliers struggle
By Chazz Scogna
Friday, Jan. 20: Oklahoma City at Cleveland, 3:30 p.m. ET
Never let it be said Andre Roberson doesn’t mean something to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the seven games they’ve played without their All-NBA defensive wing, the Thunder are giving up 109.2 points per 100 possessions, almost six points more than their season average.
The Thunder are undefeated when Russell Westbrook attempts 17 or fewer shots, but with a team that’s so up-and-down, it’s tough to expect Westbrook to be more selective on offense — though lower attempts means he’s attacking the basket more. The issue of lower attempts could mean Westbrook has the ball less, which means his complete uselessness on offense since he refuses to move off-ball.
Next: 25-under-25 -- The best young players in the NBA
Warriors game aside, some home cooking and winnable games against the Magic and Thunder could be the remedy the Cavs need to get back into everyone’s good graces. Or we could all just wait until April.