The Cavs face challenges on defense that could hinder their championship aspirations, with critical adjustments needed for success.
ATLANTA — The Cavs’ shooting struggles over the past two games have been a sobering reminder of just how vital their defense is to their success.
Despite boasting the league’s 11th-ranked defense and holding opponents under 120 points in 16 of their first 20 games, recent performances have exposed gaps that must be addressed to reach their championship aspirations.In their first matchup against Atlanta, Cleveland’s lack of defensive discipline was glaring, especially in transition.
For instance, a guard might funnel a ball-handler into the paint, trusting Jarrett Allen to contest at the rim. But instead of recovering to his man, the guard hesitated, creating an open look for a shooter in the corner. Such breakdowns have been a recurring theme, particularly against teams that space the floor with five capable scorers. Boston, with Kristaps Porziņģis returning to their lineup, poses a similar challenge on an even higher level.
“Starting this thing out, I felt like, ‘Oh, Atkinson’s coming in, it’s going to go offense,’” Atkinson explained earlier in the season. “I was like, no, this is the defense. We got to keep our defensive identity.”Communication is another area of concern. The Cavs’ defensive principles hinge on seamless rotations, but hesitation and miscommunication have led to costly lapses.
Sunday offers a chance for redemption, as the Cavs may have the firepower to compete with the NBA’s elite, but their playoff success could ultimately hinge on their defense.
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