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Are the Cavs relying too much on the long ball? Wine and Gold Talk podcast

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/03 .. on-the-long-ball-wine-and-gold-talk-podcast.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 6:00 GMT by Cleveland.com

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Key Points From the Podcast

1. Statistical Snapshot
   - The Cavs made 520 three‑point attempts, compared to the league average of 410 for similarly sized squads.
   - Turnovers per 100 possessions spiked from 11.4 in the previous season to 12.8.
   - Points per possession from the three‑point line rose from 0.34 to 0.42, but the three‑point conversion rate dropped from 48% to 44% after a coaching change in January.

2. Player‑Level Insights
   - Jalen Williams: The rookie guard’s development is a focal point. His per‑game three‑point attempts jumped from 4.2 to 8.9, yet his assist‑to‑turnover ratio fell from 1.9 to 1.5. The hosts argue this indicates a shift from a play‑making role to a pure scorer.
   - Kevin Love: Though known for his mid‑range game, Love’s three‑point attempts have increased, especially in the third quarter, hinting at a tactical adaptation to force defenders out of the paint.
   - Mason Plumlee: The center’s role has pivoted from rim‑guarding to a “stretch‑four” threat. The hosts point out that while his shooting is inconsistent, it forces opposing bigs to step out, opening up lanes for inside plays.

3. Coaching Philosophy
   The episode examines the influence of new head coach Tom Kershaw, who arrived in the offseason with a pedigree in fast‑break basketball. Kershaw’s “high‑tempo, three‑point” system is credited with the team’s offensive surge but also the rise in inefficiencies. A quote from Kershaw, recorded earlier in the season, says, “We’re chasing the modern game’s pace; the three‑point line is our biggest weapon.” The hosts counter that “weaponry” must be balanced with ball‑handling fundamentals.

4. Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
   - In a win against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Cavs scored 15 three‑pointers, yet lost by 4 points due to a 12‑point deficit in the paint.
   - The loss to the Chicago Bulls highlighted a defensive collapse; the Cavaliers allowed 48 points in the paint while attempting 30 three‑pointers.

5. Fan and Media Reaction
   A segment includes fan reactions from the iconic Cleveland Edge forum and a feature from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, both suggesting a growing fatigue among the fan base regarding the Cavaliers’ “three‑point binge.” The hosts note that while the modern NBA is increasingly three‑point oriented, Cleveland’s historical identity has been built on inside play and solid defense.

Follow‑Up Links and Additional Context

• The podcast links to a Sports Illustrated article titled “NBA’s Long‑Ball Revolution: Winners and Losers,” providing a league‑wide perspective.
• A referenced The Athletic piece on the Cavaliers’ “Coaching Change in January” offers insight into how the shift in strategy correlates with staff adjustments.
• The hosts cite a CBS Sports analysis on “Turnover Impact on NBA Success,” which confirms the Cavs’ upward turnover trend as a risk factor for playoff longevity.
• The Bleacher Report breakdown of the Cavaliers’ “3‑Point Efficiency vs. Defensive Adjustments” is used to illustrate how defensive schemes could mitigate the long‑ball overuse.

The Takeaway

Mike Daniels and Alicia Harper present a nuanced argument: the Cavaliers’ heavy reliance on three‑point shooting has undeniably amplified their offensive output and attracted playoff buzz, but it has also exposed structural weaknesses—particularly in ball handling and inside defense. They caution that the Cavaliers must strike a balance between the modern, perimeter‑heavy NBA and the fundamentals that once defined Cleveland’s identity. Failure to do so could cost them critical wins in the competitive Eastern Conference.

For Cavaliers fans and neutral observers alike, the episode offers a thorough, data‑driven conversation that encourages listeners to look beyond the headline three‑point stats. It underscores that in a game that rewards efficiency, the measure of success extends beyond how many points are scored from beyond the arc; it also involves how those points are produced, protected, and integrated into a cohesive team strategy.