Worst Gets to Know First: A Cleveland Cavaliers Discussion

The Cavs excelled in many areas, especially offensively last season. They closed the regular season third overall in offensive rating, but 28th in pace. Everything about the Sixers offense seems to add a sense of urgency. First, do you like fast-paced basketball, or do you think that it elicits perhaps a sloppiness to the gameplay? Secondly, do you think slowing things down a bit and controlling the tempo was important in the Cavs success this past season? 

Rakos:

"I like both fast-paced or slow-paced basketball, as long as it’s a good game (and preferably a win, of course). I do think there is something to be said for slowing down the game and controlling the tempo. I think in general, controlling the tempo is a big part of winning: teams that play fast can outrun, outshoot and outplay slower teams by controlling the pace, while slower teams can limit possessions, take teams out of their groove and bring more physicality to the game by controlling the pace. One thing I don’t always love about slow-paced basketball is isolation ball. I think it can be great – and great to watch – because the skill level, strength and quickness needed to successfully drive to the hoop in isolation is amazing. But sometimes it stalls the team’s play too much and causes stagnancy. Controlling the tempo was very important to the Cavs’ success. In a time when several teams are trying to play fast and more outside ball, it’s great to be able to slow a team down, limit their possessions and be physical. On the other hand, the Cavs are extremely efficient on the fast break, which makes them pretty potent."

Ferguson:

"I love up-tempo basketball because it adds more excitement to the game and allows the best offensive players to really thrive and be at their best. I think there is a sloppiness to that style of play though because players can get themselves going so fast that they lose control of their game and begin to turn the ball over, so there is a caution against playing up-tempo. I do believe that the Cavs slowing the offense was a big key to their success. As crazy as it sounds, it often times allowed them to be the more disciplined team because they play under control most of the time. I know Lue is a bigger proponent of running in transition, so that may change things next season, but the Cavs were able to defend at a high rate because they were under control, well rested from not running as much and highly efficient on the offensive end."

Next: Question 4