From one night to the next, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lamar Stevens has only improved since first stepping onto the court this season in a 32-point Cavs win over the Chicago Bulls.
Still, even after earning a career-high four blocks against forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, the 25-year-old forward and Cavs head coach JB Bickerstaff could do nothing but reflect on the team’s fifth-straight loss during a postgame press conference.
“I think we just have to find ‘it,'” Lamar Stevens said. “We have to find that effort, that defensive intensity and what we were doing during that 8-game win streak.
“This comes down to holding everyone accountable and do what we’ve always done. We’re a defensive-first team. I think we have to find that again, along with our hunger and grit.”
JB Bickerstaff hinted at shaking up the team’s rotations last Tuesday, putting more faith in Lamar Stevens with yet another starting role and 33 minutes as forward Evan Mobley again slid to the center spot. The 3rd-year forward earned 10 points and five rebounds along with his career high in blocks.
Lamar Stevens said he felt proud of the team’s already-strong bonds between him and his teammates. He added their improved relationships between one another allowed for the ability to hold each other accountable for what they felt their teammates could improve upon before they take on the Charlotte Hornets.
“That’s part of having a good relationship with somebody,” Stevens said. “It’s not always about saying the good things. You can tell them what they can be better at and hold them accountable.
“I don’t think we will (blame each other) in a bad way. I think that guys being held accountable can be a good thing.”
The Cavs will tip off against the Hornets at 7:30 p.m. EST this Friday in Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The game will be broadcasted on Bally Sports Ohio.