Cavaliers’ narrow escape against Nets should set off alarm bells in Cleveland

The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a narrow 125-121 victory over the Brooklyn Nets after nearly surrendering a 22-point fourth-quarter advantage. Writer Creshonda Smith argues that Cleveland's careless ball security should raise serious concerns, noting that the team committed eight fourth-quarter turnovers and 23 total in the game, allowing Brooklyn to cut the deficit to two points in the final seconds before Sam Merrill made game-sealing free throws.

While James Harden drew criticism for scoring just 12 points, Smith points out that he committed zero fourth-quarter turnovers and cannot be blamed for the collapse. Instead, Smith emphasizes a troubling team-wide pattern under head coach Kenny Atkinson, highlighting that Cleveland has been outscored 73-45 in fourth quarters through two games, having also blown a 29-point lead against Philadelphia.