Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff wanted small forward Isaac Okoro to play freely in his pro debut.
“I wanted him to shoot the ball every time he was open,” Bickerstaff said of what he told Okoro. “Pretty simple.”
Okoro finished with 18 points and the game-winning basket in the Cavs’ preseason-opening win over the Pacers on Saturday. That included 16 points in the fourth quarter.
“Obviously he’s capable of making shots,” Bickerstaff said. “I think he was uncomfortable in those moments, still trying to search and catch a rhythm.
“But I wanted him to have the confidence and I wanted his teammates to give him that confidence, that when he’s open, take those shots, knock those shots down. Then the rest of the game opens up.”
Okoro finished 6-of-9 shooting and with a plus-minus rating of plus-13.
“He had an opportunity to take shots early on that I thought he turned down,” Bickerstaff said. “Because of his ability to attack the rim and high level-finishing, if people have to press up on him, he’s going to be a nightmare to guard.”
More out of Cleveland
- This wasn’t mentioned in the Saturday night’s Dribbles column, but forward Larry Nance Jr. gave a typical underrated showing off the bench with seven points and 10 rebounds. Nance continues to be the type of versatile big who will help ease the pain of losing Tristan Thompson in free agency.
- Okoro’s game-winning layup came off a nice feed from another newcomer, shooting guard Damyean Dotson. And Okoro was quick to praise Dotson after the win. “I give all thanks to Dotson for looking up and seeing me. If it wasn’t for the pass, there wouldn’t be a game-winning shot.”
- Dotson wasn’t too shabby himself, scoring 12 points on 5-of-6 from the field. You can read more about the first game here.
- The Cavs will again host the Pacers on Monday. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. EST.
