The Cleveland Cavaliers got a much-needed win on Monday by beating the San Antonio Spurs. It was an impressive victory, considering the Spurs had defeated the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, three times in December.
For the Cavaliers, they needed a good result to come their way, as they lost to the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks before Monday's game. It has not been the best season for the Cavaliers after the high expectations before the season started. Coach Kenny Atkinson made some changes, including not giving Lonzo Ball a single minute against the Spurs.
Atkinson gives the reason why he picked Porter over Ball
When Ball did not come off the Cavaliers' bench against the Spurs, many people questioned his standing in the rotation. Craig Porter Jr. Was chosen over him, as is the case when Ball is unavailable during back-to-back games for injury management.
That was not what happened against the Spurs, as Atkinson believed that he wanted sit Ball down for the first time this season. He has been a constant member of the rotation unless they were playing back-to-backs, but it appears Atkinson has come up with a solution for some of Ball's problems.
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Porter was the player Atkinson chose, and he was decent. He had two points, six rebounds, and four assists in only 15 minutes. Considering the Cavaliers have Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, contributing like that is huge for the team's depth. He does not need to score every time, but making sure to make an impact is a big deal.
"We wanted to look at some different combinations, but also, with ‘Zo, I just have a big picture thing. Just keeping him healthy and fresh. It was kinda two-fold, the reason. I spoke to him. We need him healthy and available, and he has been so far, but I want to keep that going," Atkinson said after the win against San Antonio.
Moving forward, Atkinson has plenty of options. Considering Ball has been a polarizing player this season, options are good for the coaching staff. Ball is averaging 5.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He should be a decent member of the rotation, but he is a non-factor on offense, as evidenced by his 29.9% from the field and 25.6% from three.
As long as Atkinson is at the helm, he will be varied with his decision-making. Ball has played almost every time he has been available, but it will be important to be mindful that he needs to meet the high standards of playing for the Cavaliers.
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