Whatever buzz surrounded the 2021-22 Cleveland Cavaliers heading into Tuesday's preseason opener quickly evaporated when the wine and gold were handed a 36-point loss at the hands of the Bulls, on their own floor. One day later, this young Cavs roster did their best to bring that excitement back, with a 99-96 road win over Atlanta.
The biggest difference from just 24 hours prior according to Cavs head man JB Bickerstaff: defensive effort.
"The commitment to the defensive end of the floor and the competitiveness in which they went about it," Bickerstaff explained. "They took individual challenges, they defeated screens, they sacrificed and helped one another and put themselves in position to rotate and do the right things. That's the difference.
"They accepted the challenge and bounced back from last night. Again, even though it's a preseason game it meant something to them, and their pride and commitment to the Cavs."
Look no further than rookie center Evan Mobley for a source behind a much more defensive sound Cavs effort. The No. 3 overall pick grabbed 12 boards, nine on the defensive ended of the floor, and two blocks. Offensively, he chipped in eight points to help the cause as well. Through two preseason games, has 18 points, 20 boards and 4 blocks.
"I don't want to oversell it, but his defensive instincts are extremely unique for a player his age and experience level," Bickerstaff said of Mobley. "His understanding of the game, and where to be and what's next is phenomenal."
What Mobley brought defensively, guards Collin Sexton and Darius Garland brought on the offensive end. That duo combined for 34 points, while five total Cavs finished in double figures, including Isaac Okoro (12), Jarrett Allen (12) and sharpshooter Lauri Markkanen (11).
At 1-1 in this young preseason, the Cavs have Thursday off before hosting the Indians Pacers on Friday night. Then they'll have a chance to exact some revenge on the Bulls in Chicago on Sunday.
