In five games with his new team, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder is undefeated in wine and gold. In an exclusive postgame interview with ClutchPoints following the Cavs' blowout 112-84 win over the Brooklyn Nets, Schroder shared that he's not surprised by how quickly the group has adjusted to him, as well as fellow newcomers Keon Ellis and James Harden.
“They did their job first,” Schroder told ClutchPoints. "We've just tried to be included, we've just tried to make sure that we're really, In fact Locked into every single game. It doesn't matter who we play; We don't shy away from opportunities, we shy away from good teams. Just playing my kind of basketball and trying to improve every day. I think it's working.
"We just want to be at our peak in April. I think that's where it matters most, and there are some steps we have to take. We have to do it every day. Everybody has to buy into it, and that's what makes it so special right now that we're playing at such a high level."
Cavs All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell noticed the new mentality in the building at the team's first practice after the All-Star break. Harden, Schroder and Ellis have helped people understand the task.
"When you bring those guys in, they bring the level of professionalism that they've had in the league," Mitchell said. "That's what I've been doing since I've been in the league, and it's kind of like that. Just understanding, 'Hey, we're getting 5-in-7. Yeah, we're new and all that, but we also come in there and say, 'Hey, it's time to go.'"
"I think we handled it professionally," Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson said. "I know people work; normally, it takes three, four, five days off. It's more... I called it a working vacation. We need to keep our bodies moving, make sure we go to the gym. I think most guys have done that. It's part of a professional approach. But at the same time, man, we've got to do something here, and we finally got a sprint here. So it's a good start, good first game."
Since arriving in the trade with Ellis from the Sacramento Kings, Schroder has exerted his will defensively and shown his aggressiveness going downhill. Atkinson likes the contrast from the bench versus the big starting five. The 13-year veteran's biggest impact doesn't come in the stat sheet for this particular group or at this point in his career; it's all about How He plays (and so does Alice) – stubborn, relentless and with an edge.
"I don't know how many distractions there were between those guys tonight," Atkinson said. "Keion, I'm not sure I've seen it in the league. Like, he can get in the passing lane; he had three blocks tonight. I knew it was part of his statistical profile, but it's impressive to see it live. We threw Dennis in there and Sam [Merrill] And Keon, [and] It's almost like a different look defensively with our speed and aggression. So, I'm really excited about that second unit because of those guys.
"Dennis, he just picks up the ball," said Evan Mobley, playing in his first game since Jan. 26. "I think the smaller guard can move guys around and get the offense going later in the shot clock. And Keon, I mean, he's all over the place. Today, he got a corner-three block; you don't see that much. His offense, he dunked like two guys. He got a block and then saved it over the guy. He just does a lot of little things that you don't really see."
As great as it feels to see this kind of success, there is always room for improvement and the Cavs only have so many days of practice in the second half of the season. What does it take for Cleveland to maintain the momentum it has built after rearranging its roster?
“Enjoying it,” Schroder told ClutchPoints. "Enjoy every single game, every single practice, making sure the chemistry is right. We enjoy each other. I think that's the most important, because if you have great chemistry on and off the court, it goes a long way."
"We have a lot of talent with this group and high-character guys, I'm not really worried about the basketball. Coming together as a group and as a unit, I think it will make a big, big difference — especially in the playoffs when we go through tough times, and it's really physical, and part of the mentality of it. I think when we figure that out, we'll be really good."
Dennis Schroder and Jordi Fernandez's appreciation for each other is mutual
After spending just 23 games together in Brooklyn and moving up to the international level, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez is well aware of Schröder's expertise.
“Dennis is the ultimate professional,” Fernandez told ClutchPoints in his pregame press conference. "We know he's wearing different jerseys, but the reality is teams want him. Teams want him to win. Wherever he goes, he's going to be a part of the majority of the success. I think that's very important.
“Not only in the NBA, but also with the German national team, and I have the opportunity to [coach] against him. When I had great respect for him [coached] Against him, and even more respect because I got the chance to train him. And not just the player, but also the individual and his family. I think the Cavs are very fortunate to have him.”
In 2024, before the Golden State Warriors traded for him, he averaged 18.4 points, 6.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals on .452/387/.889 shooting splits in less than 34 minutes per game. Schröder appreciates the short time he spent with Fernandez.
“Just one person who understands what I bring to the table,” Schroder told ClutchPoints. "He made me feel comfortable. It's one thing to tell, but it's one thing to really make sure the players know that." [have] Having the confidence to actually play and be comfortable in your position counts for a lot. He did this for me.
"I played one of my best seasons there, half a season, whatever you want to call it. But I really liked him as a coach. Also a European guy, we've seen FIBA, and we've seen the NBA side, and it's been great."
