CLEVELAND, OH — There was plenty of blame to go around when John Beilein and the Cavaliers parted ways last month, but one thing is certain, the players are buying into J.B. Bickerstaff’s methods.
“I would say the energy is totally different,” Collin Sexton said on Wednesday. “Everybody is just happy. We’re all trying to play for something now.”
Beilein’s departure forced the Cavaliers’ players to look into the mirror and figure out what they could’ve done better?
“Was I as coachable as I could have been? Could I have been more coachable? Could I have received information and criticism better? Let me step back and survey,” Sexton said last week. “'Was I as good of a player to coach when he was here?’ Had to just look myself in the mirror and ask myself those things.”
It may be a small sample size, but Sexton's self-reflection appears to have worked. The 21-year-old is averaging 26.8 points in his last four games and scored a career-high 32 points on Monday against the Jazz.
Sexton is averaging 23 points, three rebounds and four assists per game in seven games under Bickerstaff. He’s shooting 50 percent from the field and from 3-point range over that span.
“I would say we’re a lot closer and there’s more freedom for everyone to talk and for everyone to get their point across,” Sexton said Wednesday. “If you feel like a coverage isn’t going to work, we’re able to tell coach and just have that discussion, which is really cool.”
Bickerstaff’s NBA experience brought him instant credibility about the Cavs players. His methods haven’t been questioned. Veterans like Kevin Love believe in Bickerstaff and belief goes a long way in an NBA locker room.
The Cavs are 3-4 under their new head coach. He has a shot to get to .500 tonight against the Celtics.
On a Tear
Sexton has arguably been the Cavaliers’ best player this season. He’s played in all 61 games, represented the organization in the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend and has been on a tear in recent weeks.
Sexton is averaging 23 points, three rebounds and four assists in his last 21 games. He’s shooting 49 percent from the field and 48 percent from 3-point range.
He hears the criticism. He knows there are plenty of people that doubt him.
“You definitely hear it,” Sexton said. “You got to use it as fuel and just show them. Prove them wrong. Actions speak louder than words.”
Shorthanded against Boston
Cleveland will be without Darius Garland (groin) and Andre Drummond (calf). Tristan Thompson is questionable after missing the past three games with a knee contusion.
The Cavs had just nine players dressed for Monday’s game. That could be the case again if Thompson can’t suit up.
The Celtics have injury issues of their own. Gordon Heyward suffered a minor knee injury against the Nets on Tuesday night. He won't play against Cleveland.
Kemba Walker returned to action Tuesday, but won't play on the second night of a back-to-back, as he has continues to recover from a knee injury. Jaylen Brown (hamstring) will also miss Wednesday night’s matchup against the Cavaliers.
The Cavs (17-44) have lost three straight games. Tip-off on Wednesday night is at 7 p.m. at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
