The Cleveland Cavaliers just needed four games to move past the Miami Heat.
However, things won’t be that easy in the second round.
The Indiana Pacers are a pesky team that can run anybody off the court.
That’s why Kenny Atkinson wants his guys to bring in their best energy.
When asked about his defensive approach for this series, the first-year Cavs’ coach pointed out how the Pacers wore out the New York Knicks last season, and he wants his guys to be prepared for that kind of series:
“They can’t beat us those first three steps. They can’t beat us out of the blocks,” Atkinson reiterated following Saturday’s final practice ahead of Game 1. “Put our track shoes on. We have the athleticism, we have the speed, it’s just the initial shock of them doing it so consistently. They run more than anybody in the league. That’s not just from a visual. There’s facts behind that, right? Physical facts. I think in the Knicks series last year, they kind of wore ‘em out. Our guys are well aware, but we’re going to have to feel that and get accustomed to it. I think they have the message to understand.”
The Cavs are mostly healthy, and they had plenty of time off between games to regroup, restore their bodies, and get ready to rumble.
The Pacers thrive on their speed and athleticism, and they have a deep rotation, just like the Cavaliers.
With Tyrese Haliburton pushing the pace over and over like a taller version of Steve Nash and Mike D’Antoni’s seven-seconds-or-less offense, the Cavs will have to stay ready and guard the length of the court in this series.
The Pacers were one of the toughest matchups for this team all year long, and while the Cavaliers should still be favored to win this series and should have no excuses, this is going to be a true chess match.
It will also come down to whether the Cavs’ go-to guys can get buckets down the stretch.
This will be fun to watch if you’re not rooting for any of these teams.
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