The Cleveland Cavaliers rolled with a different lineup in the win vs. the New York Knicks.
This time, Coach Kenny Atkinson decided to start Max Strus at small forward and have De’Andre Hunter coming off the bench.
Clearly, it worked like a charm, as the Cavs put up a 142-point clinic in the win over Tom Thibodeau’s team.
Also, no starter had to be on the court for more than 26 minutes, so it didn’t make much of a difference for him to come off the bench.
Following the win, Cavs veteran Tristan Thompson had a rather interesting nickname for Hunter, deeming him ‘baby Kawhi’ (via Chris Fedor).
#Cavs Tristan Thompson referred to De’Andre Hunter as “Baby Kawhi” after tonight’s game.
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) February 22, 2025
Hunter might not be the offensive menace prime Leonard was, but he can certainly hold his own like the best of them on the defensive end of the floor.
The Cavs needed someone capable of staying in front of big and athletic wings, and Hunter is most definitely one of the most athletic 3-and-D players in the league.
He entered the league with plenty of promise as a high-IQ defender with the length and size to guard one through five, and only injuries have stood in his way thus far.
Of course, that’s not where you want Hunter to be like Kawhi Leonard at all.
He’s missed his fair share of games already with multiple ailments.
If Hunter stays healthy, he’s going to play a major role in the team’s championship aspirations, especially against teams with athletic wings like the Boston Celtics.
NEXT: Cavs Get Good Injury News On Dean Wade
