The Cleveland Cavaliers have started the last couple games slowly and have struggled to find a solid defensive rhythm. That must change against New Orleans.
In the Cleveland Cavaliers first two prime-time games, they held their opponents (the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks) to under 100 points each. Then against the Magic, Bulls, and Nets, they gave up 114,112, and 112 respectively. Going up against some of the worst teams in the lacking Eastern Conference and giving up 110+ is just unacceptable.
But, I have faith they will change this. One thing most fans tend to forget is that over half of this team is new to the Cavaliers organization. They did a complete remodeling following their Game 5 Finals’ loss. It is difficult for a unit that is relatively new to get all the rotations and switches exactly correct within their first five games. The personnel that Lue has placed on the court also has had an impact. The Cavs more veteran talent have a smoother time transitioning to the new system. Lue must demand more though, and it starts with correcting their three-point issue.
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Over the course of the last three games, the one defensive issue has been the exact same. The Cleveland Cavaliers seem to be incapable of defending the three-point line. The three-point line often times determines a win or a loss for a team in this modern-day NBA.
In two of those three games, the Cavs opponent shot over 45% from deep. In games where the Cavs shot over 45% from deep last season, they went 13-1. Holding teams to a low-percentage from deep isn’t just important, but it’s one of the most vital aspects of defense.
Against the Magic, in which the Cavaliers lost by 21, the Magic shot over 20% better from deep which translated to 10 more made threes and 30 more points, thereby basically giving Orlando the game. The Magic, throughout their first several games, have been shooting the three ball tremendously, averaging 12.8 per game. They also have the highest three-point percentage in the NBA. However, that is not an excuse for giving up a complete ariel assault when they came to town.
The Cavaliers, in their sixth game, will be playing a team that is lacking shooters. This needs to be a game where they shut down the New Orleans Pelicans and blow them out, restoring hope in the Land.
Like the Magic, Bulls, and Nets, the New Orleans Pelicans are a team in the top half of the league in threes made per game, but they are certainly not lined with fantastic sharpshooters. Led by two big men that both shoot from outside, DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis have been lethal threats for the Pels. Cleveland, however, might get lucky and not have to face superstar Anthony Davis, who has been battling a knee injury.
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That said, this will be a huge opportunity for the Cavaliers to these rotations and switches correct. Hopefully, Dwyane Wade will return, and the Cavaliers will be reasonably healthy. In their second straight road game, the Cavaliers will risk falling to just .500 if they can’t shut down Cousins and the Pelicans from deep.
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