Staring at a 61-48 third quarter deficit to the Chicago Bulls, the Cleveland Cavaliers - 'fresh' off a late-night return from New Orleans less than 24 hours prior - managed to pull off a 43-17 scoring run to end up winning 97-89 on Saturday night at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
What was the key in the Cavs managing another come-from-behind victory? According to head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, their mental toughness.
"There was so many reasons why we couldn't get the job done," Bickerstaff commented. "We never let that set in as an excuse and a cop-out. Things weren't going our way in the first half, but we never once fragmented or separated. All we did was try to figure out a way to get it done."
After arriving back from their road game against the Pelicans around 4 a.m. on Saturday, the Cavs started the game slowly, but once they got going midway through the third period, the Cavs never looked back. Cleveland outscored the Bulls 20-4 to start the final quarter and held on for their season sweep-clinching win over Chicago.
"It's extremely hard in the NBA," Bickerstaff added. "I know people like to make light of what these guys go through, and how difficult it is to be good in the NBA, and win in the NBA...The competition that's there is formidable every night, no matter what your record or your opponent's record may be. To be able to figure out a way through all of that, to come together and go five games in seven nights, get home [at] 4:30 this morning, probably [go to] sleep by 5:30, if that...back to back minutes played last night...and just find the fortitude to grind out a win. That's special."
The Cavs' offensive production was mainly shouldered on Donovan Mitchell, who scored 19 of his game-best 29 points in the second half, and Jarrett Allen, who finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Evan Mobley also added 14 points, while Darius Garland led the team with seven assists.
The team didn't gain much from its bench, as the Cavs reserves combined for just five points on 1-of-19 shooting, but Ricky Rubio - despite going 0-6 from the field and 0-5 from the 3-point line - managed to contribute with five assists and three steals, sparking that Cavs' third quarter run.
"We've felt that magic before. It's a blessing to have him back and have him on the court. His spirit is unique, and it has an inexplicable way of elevating everyone that's around him. He makes the ball magical."
