Cavs unleash secret weapon to save season in Game 5 vs. Magic

Actions always speak louder than words and Morris proved it, scoring 12 points off the bench, including two big-time three-pointers, in 26 minutes of action in the Cavs’ 104-103 win over the Magic. Six of his points came when the game was tight during the fourth quarter.

“I knew that I could help in some type of capacity,” Morris said postgame.

Before Cleveland’s coaching staff called on Morris to step up, he was watching, talking trash, and trying to lead from the sidelines through four playoff games. But that all changed when an unexpected rib injury hit Jarrett Allen and Georges Niang endured a shooting lull forcing Cleveland to look at Morris to help them gain a 3-2 lead over Orlando.

For Morris, it was a slight change of pace since he was looking to save the Cavs’ playoff chances instead of ending them. His playoff career began against the Cavs while he was with the Detroit Pistons and he continued to battle Cleveland while with the Boston Celtics. So, while it was a shift in Morris’s basketball story, he still gave Cleveland a shot in the arm off the bench, helping guide them to an important win.

“He came in with the gritty mentality that we really needed, and he hit some big shots,” said Cavs guard Darius Garland. “Hopefully he gets some more burn and see where it goes.”

That grit that Morris carries himself with was a factor from the moment he checked in for Cleveland. During his observations from the sidelines, Morris shared that the Magic were getting too cute against the Cavs and somebody had to knock Orlando down a few pegs. That mentality is what has endeared Morris to his Cleveland teammates and, in turn, made Cavs fans across Northeastern Ohio gravitate to the veteran forward as well.

So whether it was the warm reaction when he first signed with Cleveland, when he checked in Tuesday night, or when he drained his two vital three-pointers in the fourth quarter, the support meant such a great deal to Morris.

“S—, I ain’t the most lovable guy around the league, you know what I’m saying?” Morris said. “So for a city like this to take me in and to actually push for me to play and want me to play — it felt really good.”

So as Game 6 approaches in Orlando, where Cleveland has yet to win during this series, there are a few things head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has to consider. One of those is leaning more on Morris, who provided the spark that helped save the Cavs’ season and can punch back when the Magic go in for the first blow.

“We knew what he’s capable of,” Bickerstaff said of Morris. “He’s just a guy you trust. And he’s been through these battles before. He’s tough as nails. He’s not afraid of s—.”