3 things the Cleveland Cavaliers must do to make the playoffs

#2: Continued Cavs defensive dominance

The next thing the Cleveland Cavaliers must do if they want to find a way into postseason play is to continue their excellence on defense. Defense is something that the Cavaliers have made themselves known for and branded themselves around this season. They have seemingly been a rag tag, gritty team that fights for their wins.

This is backed up by the stats as well. The Cavaliers rank seventh in the NBA in defensive rating.

Along with this, they are in the top half of the league in blocks along with being second in the league in steals per game. Heading this effort is Larry Nance Jr. who leads the league in both steals and deflections per game, per NBA.com’s shot tracking data.

It has been rumored that both Kevin Love and Andre Drummond, the latter of whom is set to be expiring, could be traded before the deadline this season, though. While it is arguable that the Cavs defense may be improved without Love on the roster, Drummond brings a lot to the Cavs on the defensive end.

This would be a very big hole for the Cavaliers to fill. But without Drummond, the Cavs would get the opportunity to start Jarrett Allen, who seems to be a Defensive Player of the Year in the making. In his first start with the Cavaliers, Allen scored 23 points while shooting seven-for-nine from the field. Even more impressive is the impact that Allen had on the defensive end. It seemed like he was everywhere and constantly making plays.

He finished his first career start with the Cavs with 18 rebounds, four of them offensive rebounds. Plus, he had five blocks, and that 23-18 and five-block statline was a first in Cavs history, too.

Even if Love and Drummond are traded from the team, the defense will be left in good hands as long as the Cavs keep their foot on the gas. And players like Okoro, Damyean Dotson somewhat, perhaps Taurean Prince and to a degree Sexton could still aid those efforts.