Where Did Cavaliers Three-Point Shooting Go?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled to shoot long-range shots in their first two games out of the All-Star Break.

The Cleveland Cavaliers made national headlines for how they reshaped their offense in the middle of the season. 

They went from a team that primarily relied on the pick-n-roll to score to a heavy three-point shooting team. This new identity worked wonders for them as the team entered the All-Star Break with an 18-3 record over their last 21 games. 

However, the Cavaliers have now lost both their new identity and their first two games coming out of the break.

J.B. Bickerstaff offered an explanation for the lack of three-point shooting and why the offense has looked flat out of the break. 

"I think it's again that lack of penetration to the paint where all that stuff starts," said coach. "Making the easier to play to attack. When you get two or more [defenders] on you, make the easy [play]. Now you drive, you find your gap that creates another angle for somebody else to make their play."

Cleveland was attempting almost 40 threes a game from the beginning of January up until the break. They shot just 22 on Thursday night against the Orlando Magic and 27 on Friday against the 76ers.

Even in terms of the eye test the offense just looked off. They were trying to force plays that weren't there which also resulted in a lot of turnovers which is a different issue.

Yes, Donovan Mitchell was out in each of these games. But you're playing a dangerous game if he becomes the sole focus of the offense. The Cavaliers have enough talent and they need to be efficient without Spida on the floor.

Feb 23, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) shoots against Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) in the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports / © Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Bickerstaff does offer an easy fix for the Cavs to get more threes up in future games.

"I think again, we have to create more movement. We've got to create more thrust to the basket, to the paint, force teams to get into some rotations, and then move it from there."

Now the Cavaliers just need to execute that plan on the floor.