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3 Biggest X-Factors For Cavaliers Entering Showdown vs Thunder
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- 3 Biggest X-Factors For Cavaliers Entering Showdown vs Thunder
(David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, giving the team a big opportunity to prove themselves.
Cleveland has seen an up-and-down start to the new season, but the team has rebounded from a brutal opening loss to open the year. Cleveland holds a record of 4-2 for the year entering this game, with the team winning last time out against the Milwaukee Bucks.
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Oklahoma City is one of the better teams in the Western Conference, and the Cavaliers understand the challenge that they face in front of them. But for the Cavaliers to reach their goals this year, taking down teams like the Thunder will be key.
This will be the first game between the Cavaliers and Thunder, with the next matchup being in a few days. The two sides will switch home courts, with Cleveland getting the first crack at Oklahoma City at home, before the teams play again on Wednesday.
The game will tip off at 4:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. ET from Rocket Arena in Cleveland. Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Cavaliers to take down the Thunder in this game:
1. Perimeter Defense
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This is one of those games where the addition of wing Peyton Watson could come in handy, especially against the Thunder's backcourt. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being one of the best players in the NBA, someone like Watson could be tasked with trying to contain him in the game.
The Cavaliers' defenders on the perimete r will need to make sure that they stay in front of Gilgeous-Alexander and others, avoiding letting them penetrate the painted area. The Thunder have a lot of strong three-point shooters, and this is an area where Cleveland could have some trouble in the game.
2. Limit Turnovers
The Cavaliers will be facing one of the toughest defenses in the NBA, even without the services of forward Jalen Williams, who suffered a brutal injury recently. Cleveland is going to have to make sure to avoid turning the ball over on offense, taking good shots in the process.
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The Thunder thrive off turnovers, getting the offense going in transition, picking their spots, which is a strength of this team. So, for the Cavaliers, the offense is going to have to take care of the ball; otherwise, it could be a long night against Oklahoma City.
3. Donovan Mitchell Shows Up
Donovan Mitchell is going to need to step up in this game, giving the Cavaliers a big boost offensively. Going against someone like Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell has tended to embrace the star matchups.
For the Cavaliers to win this game, they will need their guy to put together another strong game. Cleveland has the tools to take down Oklahoma City, and the roster will now be tested in this contest.
