The Cavs were without three stars in Wednesday’s loss.
The Cleveland Cavaliers came up just short against the Milwaukee Bucks without star point guard James Harden on Wednesday. However, they retain full confidence in backup Dennis Schroder if Harden’s thumb injury proves to be a long-term issue.
Harden, who was acquired this month in a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, sat out of the 118-116 loss in Milwaukee with what the team described as a “non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx” in his right thumb. The 2018 MVP and 11-time All-Star suffered the injury in Tuesday’s win over the New York Knicks.
Schroder excelled in his absence, racking up 26 points as he went eight of 14 from the field and three of six from beyond the arc. The German had five assists and hit the game-tying shot with 35.6 seconds left, but was unable to force overtime as he missed a lay-up in the final seconds.
Cavaliers express confidence in Schroder
Though there was more concern for the Cavs as Schroder twisted his ankle, his performance reaffirmed their belief that he can thrive if Harden is out for an extended period.
“Full confidence in Dennis,” center Jarrett Allen said. “He’s a vet. Knows how to run the offense. He led us. Was really important to keep us in the game.”
Asked in his post-game press conference about his confidence in Schroder, head coach Kenny Atkinson said: “I’ve always felt in my mind that he is a starting point guard in this league.
“That’s the way I’ve always looked at him. He’s done it before. If that is the situation then we are covered with Dennis — if his ankle is OK. We have to check that. Was a pretty bad twist he had there.”
Schroder told reporters after the game that his ankle was “alright”, adding that he is ready to carry the offensive burden for a team that was also minus top scorer Donovan Mitchell (28.5 points per game) due to a groin strain and All-Star forward Evan Mobley because of a calf issue.
“Whatever the team needs,” Schroder said. “Next man up mentality. It’s everybody who steps on the court. We had three superstars down and we still competed.
“When we have those three guys in there, I want to impact the game in other areas because we have enough scoring. Today was a little bit myself. Played a little bit more freely. It was great for me. But at the end of the day, we lost the game and that’s what matters most.”
On Atkinson’s support, the 32-year-old said: “That means everything. We have been together going back to Atlanta days. Just a guy who understands what I bring to the table.
“There’s nothing better than when a coach gives you confidence and really means it. With Kenny, I really believe. And down the stretch, in April and going even further in the postseason, it’s going to help me a lot.”
The Cavaliers are fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 37-23 record. They face the Detroit Pistons, who lead the East with a 43-14 mark, on Friday.
