Cavs Collapse: Bigs Missing, Mitchell Muted

The Cleveland Cavaliers experienced a "horrendous" two-game series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, resulting in consecutive losses despite winning some quarters. A critical factor was the team's lack of size, with Evan Mobley at 6'11" being the tallest player. The Thunder's 7'4" center, Aday Mara, dominated the paint, particularly after Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen sustained an early injury.

Following Allen's injury, Thomas Bryant saw extended minutes, a decision criticized due to his defensive limitations. This situation highlights a potentially regrettable offseason decision to forgo acquiring a third primary big man, which could prove costly if Allen's injury is long-term.

Donovan Mitchell's performance also drew criticism, with observations of lower intensity compared to teammates. His late-game surge, including three consecutive three-pointers, showcased star potential but came too late to salvage the game. Coach Kenny Atkinson's strategic adjustments were deemed too late by observers, adding to scrutiny of his in-game decision-making.

The Cavaliers' current struggles, characterized by low basketball IQ and chemistry issues, are concerning given their offseason goal of maintaining team continuity. With back-to-back games against the 76ers and Knicks on the horizon, the team faces a challenging stretch.