The Cleveland Cavaliers had no answer for Luka Doncic on Tuesday night. And while there should be no shame in failing to stop the most unstoppable scorer in the league, it may have exposed their biggest roster flaw again.
Doncic dropped 42 points on 50 percent from the floor, adding ten free throws, six three-pointers, five boards, 12 assists, and two steals. The Cavs threw everything at him, but to no avail, and they could never rattle him or mess with his rhythm after he missed the first two shots of the night.
Once again, the Cavs failed to contain a bigger ball-handler. That issue dates back to last season, and it could be a major concern against the likes of Cade Cunningham, Jalen Johnson, or Jayson Tatum in a seven-game series.
The Cavs lack size to defend the perimeter
Last season, the Cavs struggled mightily against the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks before acquiring De'Andre Hunter. He gave them a mobile, versatile, wing-stopping defender who could hold his ground against long and athletic wings and ball-handlers.
Unfortunately, finances and his offensive regression forced the Cavs to move on from him earlier this season. And while they landed a prime perimeter stopper in Keon Ellis, he just doesn't have the size to match up with players like Doncic or Cunningham, at least for long stretches.
The Cavs have two defensive liabilities in the backcourt. James Harden isn't much of a defensive upgrade over Darius Garland, even with his active hands and eye to swipe the basketball out of a player's hand. As for Donovan Mitchell, he tries his best at times, but he's just not a good on-ball defender.
Coach Kenny Atkinson will have to get creative with his defensive assignments and switches. Dean Wade is a solid and bigger defender, but he may not be quick enough to stay in front of perimeter players. Max Strus can go hot and cold, but he'll put in the effort. Jaylon Tyson can also play strong defense while giving them another creator.
Whatever the case, this should be the No. 1 priority for Koby Altman and the front office in the offseason. Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, and Jalen Johnson aren't going to go anywhere. You have to be able to guard bigger on-ball players to make it out of the Eastern Conference, and they can't afford this to be an issue any longer.