4 keys to Cavaliers’ beatdown of Wizards on Monday night

Stellar paint protection

On Washington’s first offensive possession, Cleveland deployed a 2-3 zone. Deni Avdija and Porzingis ran a give-and-go on the right wing, giving the Israeli wing a lane to the hoop. He attempted a reverse layup, but Allen forcefully denied the shot, igniting a fastbreak, ending with a Mitchell left-wing triple.

Again, with Cleveland in the 2-3 zone to start the second half, Avdija and Porzingis ran the same set at the exact spot. On this try, Avdija had Isaac Okoro on his back hip with Allen in front at the rim. He went for the jam, but the Fro’s powerful fingertips bounced the rock off course.

Midway through the third quarter, Spida carelessly lost the ball, passing it between two defenders. Avdjia dished to the man ahead, Corey Kispert, starting a one-on-one break versus Mobley. Like a homing missile, Evan closed in on his target, beating him to the cup and keeping the ball in bounds as if he were Alonzo Mourning or Bill Russell.

Washington’s absences of Kyle Kuzma and Bradley Beal also assisted the Cavs defensively because they had to worry about two fewer scorers off the dribble. When Allen and Mobley switched outside, they had success forcing some pass outs or bad shots.

Washington’s Jordan Goodwin couldn’t get past Allen after a closeout to the key. He managed two dribbles but took a well-bothered midrange jumper that clanked off the back iron. When the Cavaliers iced Washington’s PNR, Allen’s size and length momentarily froze Wright at the elbow, allowing Garland to merge from the back hip to his side, allowing a smoother contest.

On another play defending in transition, Wade picked up Will “The Thrill” Barton at the key, staying with him on the drive to the hole that missed over the backboard.