CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cavs have had their share of defensive hiccups lately, and it's easy to jump to conclusions about their playoff prospects. It’s been a long road since 2018, the last LeBron James era, and some might be quick to write them off. But let's pause and look at the bigger picture.
Back on December 29, the Cavs were sitting at 17-16. Fast forward, and they’ve gone 29-12 since then, which is no small feat. That’s half a season of solid basketball.
Here’s how the top teams stack up since December 29:
- San Antonio: 32-10
- OKC: 31-11
- Boston: 30-12
- Detroit: 29-12
- Cleveland: 29-12
During this stretch, the Cavs made some bold moves, trading Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, and Lonzo Ball, while bringing in James Harden, Keon Ellis, and Dennis Schroder. The result?
A 20-7 record with the new lineup. Clearly, they’re on an upward trajectory.
Now, let's talk about Jarrett Allen. He’s been dealing with knee tendinitis and missed 10 games, but when he plays, the Cavs are 34-18.
Without him, they’re 12-10. His return is a game-changer, especially for their defense.
Injuries have been a recurring theme this season, unlike the 2024-25 campaign when they went 64-18 before injuries hit hard in the playoffs. Despite the setbacks, the Cavs are finding their groove, even if some wins haven’t been pretty.
Coach Kenny Atkinson knows the importance of defense, especially after a narrow 136-131 win over Orlando. “If we’re going to play defense like this, we’re going to have a short playoff stint,” Atkinson warned.
He’s right. Playoff basketball demands more than just outscoring opponents.
Since Harden joined, the Cavs boast the NBA’s highest offensive rate, but Atkinson is experimenting with lineups to bolster their defense. The best defensive setup features Donovan Mitchell and Harden in the backcourt, with Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, and Allen up front. Injuries to Wade and Allen pose a challenge, but when healthy, this lineup is formidable.
Sam Merrill is a key bench player, known for his 3-point shooting and tough defense, though injuries have sidelined him too. Atkinson emphasizes that it’s not a talent issue but about competing and game IQ. Communication is crucial, and the Cavs need to tighten up defensively.
After a win over Orlando, they fell to Miami 120-103. Atkinson saw defensive improvements, particularly in the second half, and chose to focus on the positives. He’s searching for the right balance in messaging and lineup combinations.
With 36 different starting lineups this season due to injuries, compared to 23 in 2024-25, Atkinson and his staff have done well to keep the team competitive. As the calendar turned to 2026, the Cavs have shown promise, but unlocking their full potential hinges on defensive consistency.
The Cavs are a strong team with the potential to be even better. Their defensive performance will be the key to how far they can go.