Under J.B. Bickerstaff, the Cleveland Cavaliers had a defensive identity. Now, with Kenny Atkinson leading the way, they’re focusing more on the other end of the floor. And while their defense has still been top-ten this season,
One bad stretch or a symptom of something bigger? The Cavs big man wants to make sure this defensive blip is the former.
After guiding the Cavs to success for five seasons, current Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff shares how it feels to face his old team.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff strolls the court at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse like he’s running for office. Look one way, shake hands. Look another, big hug. Now look alive, because Cavs guard Darius Garland is beelining toward his old coach. They meet; they; embrace; they playfully shove each other.
For the second time this season, coach J.B. Bickerstaff left Cleveland with a defeat, as the Pistons lost, 110-91.
It's the second career All-Star nod for Garland and the first for Mobley. They'll join teammate Donovan Mitchell, who was elected as a starter last week.
The postseason will be the true test, but the Cavs have looked like a different team. So do the Pistons. Both teams should be delighted.
Entering a reunion with ex-Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Cleveland sought answers amid a 3-game skid. Find out how its matchup vs. Detroit unfolded.
Ahead of his second return to Cleveland, coach J.B. Bickerstaff is thriving at the helm of the Pistons' rebuilding project.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris, left, Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, center top, and Pistons' Cade Cunningham (2) reach for a rebound in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) AP
It did not take long for things to get chippy between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Following their 133-119 loss on the road, J.B.
Darius Garland scored 26 points and Evan Mobley had 16 points and 10 rebounds after both were named All-Star reserves, helping the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers to a 137-115 win over the Atlanta Hawks.