Collin Sexton loves criticism, uses it as "fuel for my fire"

For the second year in a row, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton has been criticized for the way he plays the game.

Sexton received a lot of negativity last year. This was especially the case during the first half of his freshman season. He eventually changed it and made great strides in the second half of the season, earning a place in the 2018-19 Second Team All-Rookie.

But critics are back despite the fact that Sexton has shown improvement over its freshman year. In an interview via Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers guard revealed his mentality when receiving a negative evaluation of his performance.

Collin Sexton loves criticism revealed

    "Other people can prevent it, but I use it," Sexton said. "I love adding fuel to my fire and trying to prove that I can play. People say I really can't play and this and that. A lot of people hate it. If you look at the best players in the league, many people don't like what they play. James Harden, for example - he's an incredible player and some people love him and others hate him.

    "I love criticism because if there were no criticism, then what can you work on and what you can do to improve. This is just like any job. People can say you can't write a good story, you're going to try to prove that they are. Whatever they say I can't do, I'll do it. "

According to the 6-foot-1 sophomore, he receives criticism from several people, but he knows who he is and what he needs to do.

    "People really criticize me. I get it from everyone," Sexton said. "They say he wasn't a good defensive player and I changed that." You see, I was locked up, protecting some of the best players, no matter their size or position. At the end of the day it will be me. I know what helps me when I'm on the floor and what helps my team. "

Although the Cavs shake again with a 7-21 record this year, Sexton should not be forced to carry the blame alone. In fact, while still growing as a player, he has been one of the few bright spots for Cleveland.

Sexton is averaging 17.9 points per game, which is slightly higher than last year's production of 16.7 points. His overall field goal percentage soared from 43.0 percent last season to 45.4 percent this season.

His personal improvement is not exactly reflected in the Cavs' 2019-2020 campaign, but if he continues to grow with the guidance of head coach John Beilein, Sexton may one day be the catalyst for bringing the team to the playoffs.

Filip Zadina has a chance at the top line of Network Wings

When Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha are at the top of their game, they create opportunities for those who play along the line.

The Detroit Red Wings expect Filip Zadina to benefit.

Zadina made his way to the top line for Saturday's game in Toronto (7 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

Coach Jeff Blashill said it wasn't because he felt it was time to beat Zadina, but instead wanted to change the front two lines after Tuesday's 5-3 loss to Columbus. The second line has Valtteri Filppula focusing on Tyler Bertuzzi and Robby Fabbri.

"It's not like I play an incredible game and I said I had to take it to the top line," Blashill said. "It's a lot more about the type of composition for all the other lines, specifically the Filppula line. I wanted a little more grain on that line, so Bert gives that line a little bit of sand, a little bit of presence. clean, a little tough. I think the Bert-Larkin-Mantha line had a real fight the last game, so let's mix it up and see how it goes. "

Zadina has gradually progressed since her retirement from Grand Rapids on November 24. He has two goals and five assists in 11 games.

"He is a good, capable player who can shoot the disc on the net and make plays, and hopefully he becomes an expert elite player who can shoot the disc on the net and make plays," said Blashill. "The thing with Larkin and Mantha is when they are in their game, you don't have to load a line, you can be a guy who can just play with them." We need Larks and Mantha to go to a higher level, and then, if that's the case, it gives Zadina a chance to get some real looks. Whether it is a real appearance for a play or a real appearance for firing a disc at the net, hopefully he does both. "

Zadina initially played several games on the third line before moving on to the second line, as Blashill didn't want to push himself to a leading role immediately.

His time is now.

"They are incredible players, very skilled players," said Zadina. "It's a pleasure"