The Toronto Raptors squeaked by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, beating them 124-121 with newcomers RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff wasn’t too pleased with that final score and he definitely wasn’t happy with the last possession of the game.
Bickerstaff told Bally Sports Cleveland and the press that Pascal Siakam traveled during the final moments and the ball should have gone to Cleveland.
“He traveled for sure,” Bickerstaff said.
He went on: “There was no doubt about it. When you inbound the ball on the sideline after a timeout, you’re not allowed to move and he clearly worked his way up the sideline. That’s a violation. The ball should have been ours with a chance to win the game.”
"He traveled for sure. There's no doubt about it."
Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff on the last possession of the game with Pascal Siakam inbounding. Coach believes Cleveland is playing the right way and doing it together. pic.twitter.com/2H0xndZvjR
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) January 2, 2024
Because the Raptors only won by three points, one can understand why Bickerstaff was so upset about not receiving the ball.
That could have been enough to allow the Cavaliers to tie the game and possibly win.
Cleveland has now lost two games in a row and the team hopes to get back on track with two games against the Washington Wizards before facing off against the San Antonio Spurs.
Over the last few weeks, the Cavaliers have impressed fans because they have secured wins even without Evan Mobley and Darius Garland and with Donovan Mitchell missing a few games too.
On Monday, Caris LeVert led the team with 31 points, while Mitchell scored 26 and Jarrett Allen, Isaac Okoro, and Sam Merrill all put up 16.
Tough losses like Monday’s hurt but they are part of every season.
Instead of dwelling on it, Bickerstaff will look forward, lead his team, and try to pick up a few more wins in the days ahead.
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