Opinion
3 min read

Cleveland Cavaliers Seek Redemption in Desert Duel with Phoenix Suns

As the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare to face off against the Phoenix Suns, fans are eager to see how their team will bounce back after a recent string of performances that have left much to be desired. The upcoming game at Footprint Center in Phoenix is not just another match on the calendar; it's an opportunity for the Cavaliers to prove their resilience and capability.


CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 11: Caris LeVert #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 11, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Cavaliers' last outing against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 23 saw them fall short, scoring 91 points compared to the Timberwolves' 104. Despite a solid second quarter where they outscored their opponents by eight points, they couldn't maintain that momentum throughout the game. Their shooting from beyond the arc was particularly concerning, hitting only 24 percent of their three-point attempts. This lackluster performance from downtown needs immediate attention if CLE hopes to compete with PHX's sharpshooters.


However, it wasn't all doom and gloom for CLE; there were positives to take away from that game as well. They managed an impressive 84 percent from the free-throw line and fought hard in paint with a commendable effort resulting in 48 points. These are areas where they can potentially exploit PHX's defense.


CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 11: Caris LeVert #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 11, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking back further at CLE's home defeat against Miami Heat on March 20 reveals more about their current form. In this closer contest, which ended with a score of 104-107, CLE showed glimpses of brilliance through their ball distribution—racking up an impressive total of 30 assists—and also demonstrated efficiency inside by converting 61 percent of two-point attempts.


CLE’s resilience was also evident in another past game against Indiana Pacers on March 18 when they emerged victorious with a scoreline of 108-103. That night saw them lead for almost half of the match duration and showcased their ability to close out games—a trait that will be crucial when facing PHX.


CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 11:  Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a free throw during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 11, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Phoenix Suns will not make things easy for Cleveland; they're known for their strong home-court advantage and have been performing consistently well this season. However, if CLE can harness some consistency themselves—particularly by improving three-point shooting accuracy—they stand more than just a fighting chance.


Fans should mark April third on their calendars as it promises an exciting clash between these two teams at Footprint Center starting at precisely nine o'clock Mountain Standard Time (MST). The action can be caught live on ESPN or AZFamily networks or followed along via BSOH for those who bleed wine and gold.

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