The Cavaliers’ playoff aspirations could take a severe hit with the absence of Isaac Okoro due to a back injury.
In March 2023, the Cleveland Cavaliers found themselves trailing the Brooklyn Nets in the dying seconds of a hard-fought game. With only six seconds left on the clock and chaos ensuing from a missed Donovan Mitchell free throw, Cavs’ swingman Caris LeVert seized the ball and drove towards the basket in an attempt to secure the win.
However, facing intense defensive pressure from the Nets, LeVert opted to pass the ball out to an open Isaac Okoro in the corner. Okoro, seizing the opportunity, confidently sank the game-winning three-pointer, marking his first-ever game-winning shot in the NBA and igniting celebrations from his teammates.
Okoro’s clutch performance showcased his burgeoning offensive prowess and highlighted the elite two-way potential that could prove pivotal for the Cavaliers in crucial playoff moments. Unfortunately, Okoro’s momentum was halted by a knee injury suffered against the Houston Rockets shortly after his heroic shot, sidelining him for nearly a month.
Upon his return during the Cavaliers’ first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, Okoro appeared rusty on defense and lacked the offensive confidence he had previously displayed. Instead of making a significant impact on the court, Okoro struggled, becoming a liability for the team, which ultimately led to an earlier-than-expected exit from the playoffs.
Fast forward to March 2024, during Cleveland’s victory over the Detroit Pistons, Okoro was forced to exit the game midway through the third quarter due to a tightening back, as confirmed by coach J.B. Bickerstaff. When questioned about Okoro’s availability moving forward, Bickerstaff remained non-committal, stating, “We’ll see.”
While Bickerstaff typically remains discreet regarding player availability, prioritizing their safety and maintaining an element of gamesmanship, Okoro’s potential absence due to his back issues could pose significant challenges for the Cavaliers.
Okoro’s impact on the team’s performance is evident, as highlighted by his impressive statistics this season, averaging 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc. Despite his early departure against the Pistons, Okoro managed to contribute 12 points along with notable defensive and offensive contributions, showcasing his growing confidence and effectiveness on the court.
