3 Christmas gifts the Cavaliers have given fans this year

A Cavaliers Christmas Gift No. 2 – An Elite Defense

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the best defense in the NBA, full-stop. That’s a reality born out objectively; they have the bet defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) by more than a point over the 2nd-place Philadelphia 76ers. Philly is closer to Memphis in fifth than the Cavs in first.

It’s also born out subjectively. Watching Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley together contain whatever opposing teams have to throw at them is remarkable. Their backline defense allows the perimeter players to defend with confidence, and they are very capable of cleaning up the “messes” the guards cause with penetration.

Allen is massive inside, able to take on players like Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo inside while staying light on his feet to defend in space. Evan Mobley doesn’t have the same heft inside but his movement and length bothers everyone, from bruisers like Joel Embiid to wings and forwards on the perimeter. His help instincts are immaculate and his body moves like few others.

The defense has trickled down through the rest of the roster too. Lamar Stevens and Isaac Okoro are excellent defenders, but players like Cedi Osman and Mitchell are playing some of the best defense of their careers. This is a team effort and it has resulted in the top defense in the league.