The Cavaliers are confident in Schroder amid Harden’s uncertainty

The Cleveland Cavaliers came up short against the Milwaukee Bucks without star point guard James Harden on Wednesday. However, they retain full confidence in backup Dennis Schroder if Harden’s thumb injury turns out to be a long-term problem.

Harden, who was acquired this month in a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Clipperssat out the 118-116 loss at Milwaukee with what the team described as a « non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx » of his right thumb. The 2018 MVP and 11-time All-Star suffered the injury in Tuesday’s win over the New York Knicks.

Schröder excelled in his absence, scored 26 points going eight of 14 from the field and three of six from beyond the arc. The German had five assists and scored the equalizer with 35.6 seconds left, but was unable to force overtime as he missed a layup in the final seconds.

Cavaliers express confidence in Schroder

While there was more concern for the Cavs since Schroder sprained his ankle, his performance confirmed their belief that he can thrive if Harden is out for an extended period of time.

« Full confidence in Dennis, » center Jarrett Allen said. « He’s a vet. He knows how to run the offense. He led us. It was really important to keep us in the game. »

Asked in his postgame press conference about his confidence in Schroder, head coach Kenny Atkinson said, “I’ve always felt in the back of my mind that he’s a starter in this league.

« That’s the way I’ve always looked at it. He’s done it before. If that’s the situation, then we’re covered with Dennis – if his ankle is OK. We’ve got to check that. It was a pretty bad turn he had there. »

Schroder told reporters after the game that his ankle was « fine, » adding that he was ready to shoulder the offensive load for a team that was also without leading scorer Donovan Mitchell (28.5 points per game) with a groin strain and All-Star forward Evan Mobley with a calf problem.

« Whatever the team needs, » Schroeder said. « Next man up mentality. It’s everybody who steps on the court. We had three superstars down and we still competed.

« When we have those three guys there, I want to affect the game in other areas because we have enough goals. I was a little bit myself today. I played a little bit more freely. It was great for me. But at the end of the day we lost the game and that’s the most important thing. »

Of Atkinson’s support, the 32-year-old said: « It means everything. We’ve been together since Atlanta. Just a guy who understands what I bring to the table.

« There’s nothing better than when a coach gives you confidence and really means it. With Kenny, I really do. And down in April and even further into the postseason, that’s going to help me a lot. »

The Cavaliers are fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 37-23 record. They face the Detroit Pistons, who lead the East at 43-14, on Friday.