“I think we’re rolling right now,” Jarrett Allen said. “Things are clicking on the offensive end. We’re finding sets that work for us.” Earlier in the season, the
Cavs leaned heavily on quick 3-point attempts. The better defensive teams threw multiple bodies at Mitchell, forcing him to give up the ball, because Garland, the former All-Star who had been Mitchell’s backcourt partner, was either injured or not playing up to his usual level. Teams haven’t been able to do that with Harden and Mitchell. Then, when Atkinson staggers the two of them, and Harden is out, another trade the Cavs made, bringing in veteran point guard Dennis Schröder, has allowed Mitchell to remain off the ball and avoid the constant swarms of double-teams. “From a physical standpoint, from a mental standpoint, being able to know that guy’s over there … that always helps,” Mitchell said of Harden.
New York Times
