Cavs’ offense under spotlight entering Game 3

The Cavaliers are back home trailing 2-0 in the Eastern Conference finals. But ESPN’s Tim Bontemps doesn’t think the series is over just yet.

Appearing on The Hoop Collective podcast, Bontemps said Cleveland’s problems in the first two games have come more on offense than defense, especially in Thursday’s 109-98 loss to the New York Knicks.

“I sort of agree with what Donovan Mitchell’s message was after the game,” Bontemps said. “And Kenny Atkinson’s message after the game, which was that this was an offensive loss for the Cavs.”

Bontemps pointed directly to Cleveland’s shooting struggles. The Cavs went just 9-of-35 from three-point range and shot under 40 percent overall despite taking care of the basketball for much of the night.

“The Cavs just were not good enough offensively,” Bontemps said.

He also highlighted Evan Mobley’s disappearing act after halftime. Mobley scored 14 points in the first half on 5-of-8 shooting, then failed to attempt a single shot over the final two quarters.

That, according to Bontemps, is the biggest reason Cleveland suddenly finds itself chasing the series.

“The Cavs are built to be an excellent offensive team,” he said. “And their offense was not good enough tonight.”

Still, Bontemps made it clear he believes Cleveland has enough talent to climb back into the matchup, much like it did after falling behind 2-0 against the Detroit Pistons in the previous round.

“They have the talent to win the series,” Bontemps said. “They can play with the Knicks.”

Now comes the pressure-packed part for both teams heading into Saturday’s Game 3 at Rocket Arena.

Bontemps said the Knicks have an opportunity to effectively take control of the series the same way they did against Philadelphia earlier in the postseason.

“But if the Knicks are going into this game Saturday night,” he said, “they have a chance to end this thing.”