The Cleveland Cavaliers were never in the game in Game 4.
The Indiana Pacers led by more than 40 points at halftime, and while the Cavs worked their way back in the second half, it was already too late.
The Pacers have been hungrier, more physical, more aggressive, and overall more prepared for this moment.
That’s why Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com believes three Cavs stars have left plenty to be desired in this series.
In his latest column, he argued that Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Ty Jerome haven’t looked ready for the big moment:
“There’s a level of readiness missing from Darius Garland. And Evan Mobley still, still feels like there’s a level of readiness for what this series calls for. Ty Jerome, boy doesn’t feel like he’s ready for this kind of series, for this level of pressure, for this level of playoff intensity,” Fedor explained.
It happens.
Sometimes, young players need to go through these growing pains to get the monkey off their backs.
Then again, it’s not like this is their first rodeo.
Jerome has been great all season long, but he’s not to blame for this since he’s a rotational piece and, while he’s a very good one, he’s a backup nonetheless.
Mobley is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and it has been terrible to watch him being outhustled and manhandled.
This has been a worrisome trend for Garland since he entered the league, and it will be very difficult to turn the narrative around after another dismal postseason.
The Cavs were the best team in the Eastern Conference all season long, but some still doubted they would be ready to embrace the physicality of the playoffs.
Unfortunately, as much as the fans would hate to admit it, it seems like the skeptics were right all along.
NEXT: Evan Mobley Reveals Cavs' Focus For Game 5
