Halftime Short-Handed Cavs Turn Up Defense For Game 2

1. The Cavaliers have been defending their buns right off. If they’re going to have a chance without Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter, this is pretty much how you do it.

2. Cleveland suffocated Indiana’s high-octane offense to the tune of a mere 15 points after the first quarter. Every last Cav was swarming, defending the 3-point arc and frustrating the Pacers. In the first 19 minutes, Indiana had already committed 12 turnovers. 

3. The Cavs didn’t do quite as good of a job in the second quarter — but the effort is definitely there. The key is to making Indiana’s life difficult. So far, that’s been the Cavs in building a 61-50 halftime lead.

4. Donovan Mitchell already has 21 points, including a massive slam right before the half. Sam Merrill helped the Cavs build an early lead by burying three first-quarter threes. And Max Strus has been having himself a time with 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting.

5. Cavs fans deserve credit for knowing the NBA, loudly chanting “overrated” when Tyrese Haliburton was shooting free throws. Haliburton was voted Most Overrated by his peers. He’s actually outstanding. Mitchell did his part to try to quiet down the crowd. Last thing anyone wants is for Haliburton to become extra motivated.