We’re talking ‘bout practice …
Bouncing Back … After Wednesday’s lopsided loss in Minnesota, the Cavs returned to the practice court in Independence on Thursday to wash that loss right out of their hair and get ready for tomorrow night’s matchup with Charlotte at The Q.
The beauty of the NBA season on days like this is that there’s always an opportunity for redemption right around the corner. And the Cavs sounded like a squad that was ready to move on – especially with their next contest at home against Charlotte, a team they’ve topped four straight times (and have gone 14-1 all-time) at The Q.
Tristan Thompson, as he usually does, laid the 29-point loss out in pragmatic terms.
“When you don’t come out to play every night, you get your butt whupped,” said the third-year forward. “It was good for us. It was a good eye-opener, showing us that we’re not one of those teams that can take nights off, take possessions off, because it leads to us being embarrassed and losing.”
Mike Brown’s been around the block too many times to press the panic button.
Watch Video: CavsTV Practice Recap
“I have to make sure that, yes, I’m pushing our guys and coaching our guys, but if I see progress, with a little hiccup every now and then, then I have to make sure I’m realistic,” said Brown. “Because we’re not going to go from 30th in the NBA defensively to a Top 5 defensive team every night. And then, there might be some times on the road – or at home – where we get hit in the mouth and it’s not as pretty as we expect.”
The Cavs can right the ship on Friday when they meet the Bobcats for the fourth time this fall (counting preseason). After the meeting with Charlotte, Cleveland travels to face the Wizards in Washington on Saturday. Andrew Bynum is also expected to return to the club for that matchup, after being excused by the team to tend to a family medical matter.
In a scheduling oddity, when the Cavs face the Wizards again on Wednesday, they’ll have played 11 games – having faced the Bobcats, Timberwolves, Sixers and Wizards twice apiece.
Rookie on the Mend … Cavs rookie Carrick Felix was shooting around with Matthew Dellavedova and Henry Sims at the Cleveland Clinic Courts on Thursday afternoon. The second-rounder has been out with a mild sports hernia and has missed all nine games.
Mike Brown says the team isn’t ready to activate the high-flying former Sun Devil just yet, but knows he can be a valuable weapon when he’s ready to go.
“He’s a young guy that brings a ton of energy who tries to play the game the right way,” said Coach Brown. “He’s a guy who can get extra possessions, he’s a guy who knows how to defend and he’s a great runner in transition.”
Listen as Tristan Thompson and Head Coach Mike Brown discuss Thursday's practice with the media.
TRISTAN THOMPSON
COACH BROWN