J.B. Bickerstaff leans on past as Cavs trail Knicks 3-1: 'Our guys have never surrendered'

Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read
Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff argues a call during the first half of Game 3 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Knicks on Friday, April 21, 2023, in New York.
Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff argues a call during the first half of Game 3 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Knicks on Friday, April 21, 2023, in New York.
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INDEPENDENCE — J.B. Bickerstaff has been schooling the Cavaliers about his coaching resume because one particular line on it is applicable to the do-or-die situation the franchise faces.

Bickerstaff was an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets in 2015 when they rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Now the Cavs trail the New York Knicks 3-1 in their best-of-seven series, meaning Cleveland must win Game 5 of the first-round clash at 7 p.m. Wednesday at home or be eliminated from the playoffs.

“Our guys have never surrendered,” Bickerstaff said after Tuesday's practice, “and I don't ever expect them to surrender.”

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Bickerstaff and Cavs associate head coach Greg Buckner have been emphasizing a one-game-at-a-time mantra because it's how Kevin McHale inspired the Rockets to rally as their head coach eight years ago.

“At that time, our guys really bought into it, and were able to come back and win it,” Bickerstaff said. “That's the message that we've spread to our guys here is this is just about [Game 5 on Wednesday], and all it is is one basketball game. We know we're capable of winning one basketball game.”

Asked how the Cavs have taken the advice, Bickerstaff said, “I think they're with it.”

Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell goes to the basket in the first half of Game 4 in a first-round playoff series against the Knicks, Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell goes to the basket in the first half of Game 4 in a first-round playoff series against the Knicks, Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

According to the NBA, teams that have taken a 3-1 lead in a best-of-seven series have gone 258-13. In other words, only 4.8% of the teams in NBA history that have encountered a 3-1 deficit have won the series.

Still, All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell said he believes the Cavs can defy the odds. Mitchell pointed out he's been on the other side of it, blowing a 3-1 series lead with the Utah Jazz in 2020 against the Denver Nuggets.

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“It's not over,” Mitchell said. “At the end of the day, they have to beat us on our home floor, and we've got to go out there and protect home court.

“For us, it's Game 5. That's it. I'm not worried about anything after that.”

Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley drives to the basket during Game 4 of a first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, April 23, 2023, at Madison Square Garden.
Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley drives to the basket during Game 4 of a first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, April 23, 2023, at Madison Square Garden.

Mitchell also alluded to the LeBron James-led Cavs ascending from a 3-1 hole in the 2016 NBA Finals to defeat the Golden State Warriors.

“It's been done before,” Cavs forward Evan Mobley added, “so it's not impossible.”

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Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: With Cavs trailing 3-1, J.B. Bickerstaff points to his past