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Cavs vs. Wizards: Four Things We Learned

By Daniel Opacich

Feb 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) loses the ball as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) loses the ball as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Cavaliers fans were expecting an entertaining Sunday matinee, after a tough but very well fought loss to the Raptors on Friday night. However, the Washington Wizards had other ideas with a 113-99 win over the LeBron James-less Cavs.

The Cavaliers have been inconsistent in energy and execution in the last week, possibly the effects of a realization that almost no team in the NBA can defeat the transcendent Golden State Warriors.

This is the pros and anything can and often does happen – just like injuries are part of the game – so you never take any team for granted and never assume you are out-matched by any opponent no matter what their record is.

So what can we take away from this poorly played game?

Cavs vs. Wizards: Four things we learned –

1.) LeBron James IS the heart and soul of this Cavaliers team. The Cavaliers have won only twice in 15 games played without James going back to the beginning of last season. The team seems to be “lost” and “without direction” when James is out, a testament to his ability to motivate players and take over a game.

2.) The noticeable lack of defensive energy, physical play and mental toughness remind us that this team is still a work in progress. The defense has not gelled. The individual defense and team defense is an aspect that has been on and off all season. Yes, the Cavaliers have been strong and engaged in many games against contenders, but they play like a team that is “entitled” when playing lesser opponents and that often results in poor defense and a disheartening loss.

3.) Tyronn Lue has had trouble finding rotations that work against specific opponents. I realize that Tristan Thompson is his starting center, but it would be prudent to start a true big man such as Timofey Mozgov when playing opponents with bigs that are physical and imposing as they did today with Marcin Gortat having his way with the Cavs starting bigs. With such uninspired play, will Lue really hold them accountable for just giving this game away after a decent start to the game? And will the mid-season coaching change prove to be a bust?

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4.) The Cavs have 24 games to correct these issues, so time is running out for the team to regain last years mojo that led them to the NBA Finals. A disturbing trend has emerged as of late, with the team lacking mental resolve needed to play in games like Friday night when the Cavs gave up a nine point 4th quarter lead with just five minutes left in the game. If you play on the road knowing the calls won’t go your way, you can minimize the meltdown that led to the loss to the Raptors.

The Cavaliers need to get back to business, put this game in the trash and move forward with a game against the Indiana Pacers tomorrow night at Quicken Loans Arena. Tip-off is 7 p.m.