The Cleveland Cavaliers only scored nine points in the first quarter with the Memphis Grizzlies hounding them defensively, giving them little space to operate on the perimeter or in the paint. However, the Cavs second unit — led by guard Jordan Clarkson — began to get Cleveland back into the game in the second quarter, as the Grizzlies — who are a mediocre three-point shooting team — only managed to score 21 points in the opening period.
Stingy defense by Memphis and the Cavs’ inability to hit even their open shots plagued Cleveland’s offense for the entirety of the game, leading to the Wine and Gold posting paltry shooting percentages from both the field (35.