3 Cleveland Cavaliers' Status Remains Uncertain Prior to Game 2 against Pacers
Game 2 Looms with Injury Woes for Top-Seeded Cavaliers
It's a nail-biting situation for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they prepare for Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Three of their star players, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter, have been added to the injury report and are listed as questionable.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson admitted there's "real concern" regarding Hunter and Mobley's availability, while Garland's status remains uncertain as it's "difficult to gauge" his readiness.
Speaking about the incidents that led to these injuries, Atkinson felt Indiana's defense veered into "excessive" physicality. He was particularly irked by a non-call on a layup attempt by De'Andre Hunter and the subsequent dislocation of his thumb. Coach Atkinson was left in shock when the play was reviewed, even though an official's review for a foul on Hunter's play was unsuccessful.
In Game 1, Donovan Mitchell led the team with 33 points, breaking Michael Jordan's NBA playoff record with his eighth consecutive game of at least 30 points in a series opener. Mobley chipped in with 20 points and 10 rebounds. However, the team lost the game 121-112, making these injuries all the more pressing.
With the series already 1-0 in favor of Indiana, the Cavaliers will host Game 2 on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. The team is hoping their injured players will find their way back in time for this crucial match, but until then, their prospects look bleak against the Pacers' fast-paced offense.
Insights:- The Cavaliers face a tough challenge without their key players, who are all questionable for Game 2 due to injuries.- Coach Kenny Atkinson feels Indiana's aggressive defense was excessive, particularly on a play that resulted in De'Andre Hunter dislocating his thumb.- The Cavaliers lost Game 1 at home, adding to the urgency of having their injured players ready for Game 2.
The Cavaliers grapple with the looming Game 2 against the Pacers in NBA playoffs, facing questionable availability of key players Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter due to injuries. Coach Kenny Atkinson voices his concern, citing Indiana's defensive tactics as excessive, particularly in an incident involving De'Andre Hunter's dislocated thumb. Mobley's absence in Game 1 was palpable, despite Donovan Mitchell breaking an NBA playoff record with 33 points, as the Cavaliers ended up in a nail-biting loss to the Pacers. With Game 2 set for Tuesday, the team's prospects seem bleak without their injured players, but they continue to hope for a timely recovery. The sports world eagerly watches as the Cavaliers prepare for an intense NBA basketball competition against the Pacers.
