"Nerves" Got The Best Of Cavaliers In Game 3 Loss To Knicks

J.B. Bickerstaff believes that nerves played a part in the Cleveland Cavaliers' slow start in Game 3.

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers were riding high after their fantastic Game 2 victory over the New York Knicks early this week. They tied up the series at one game apiece but would have to recreate this same performance on the road if they wanted to take the lead.

The Knicks are known for a lot of things. One of them is their famous home arena, Madison Square Garden, which has been dubbed the "Mecca of Basketball." Playing in that notorious building also comes with one of the most passionate fan bases in sports, who can at times cross the line.

The Cavs knew all of this as they walked into the arena for Game 3 of their intense playoffs series with the Knicks. In the end, it was too much for this largely inexperienced team to handle as they got blown out.

Darius Garland had one of the worst shooting nights of his career making just 19 percent of his shots and being held to 10 points. Jarrett Allen grabbed only five rebounds and had six points. Even Donovan Mitchell, who led the team in scoring with 22 points, shot 25 percent from behind the arc.

Cleveland scored just 79 points as a team which is the fewest amount of points they've scored all season, let alone the playoffs. 

So what happened? What caused the Cavs to play so inferior to a team they ran off the court just a few nights prior?

Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff says it came down to "nerves" early on for his team. He went on to say,

"I think early on it was the nerves. As the game progressed I think it was more about trust than anything. We stopped trusting and doing the right thing and just tried to do a lot on our own. Once that happens it starts to leak into our defense."

Whether it was the nerves or trusting their system that caused the Cavs to struggle so much in Game 3, they'll need to make an adjustment quickly. They have another game in MSG on Sunday afternoon before heading back to Cleveland. 

Will the Cavs come home facing elimination or with a series tied at two?

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Photo Credit © Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports