In the past few weeks, the Cleveland Cavaliers have run into some defensive problems that have raised some questions as the playoffs near closer. Over the last five games, the Cavaliers have allowed an average of 117.2 points per game and has a record of 2-3 in their last five because of it.
Their most recent defensive woes came against the Washington Wizards. The Cavaliers allowed an alarming 127-points at home and watched as John Wall scored a game-high 37-points in a 127-115 loss. For the Cavaliers, this game raised more questions than answers on the defensive end.
However, head coach Tyronn Lue has stayed optimistic that he can turn the Cavaliers defensive problems around and has a secret plan to do so.
Following from Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com
“We’ve got to hold back. We can’t show our hand early because … these are some good teams and we don’t want them to be able to come into a series and be able to adjust to what we do. We just have to be able to play our normal defense until we get there and then we will see what happens.”
“I think the rebounding hurt us. Rebounding. But it will be different once some other things happen. … Their two-guards, their threes, they still crashed the boards. But we have something to fix that. Just not right now.”
As for what that plan may be, Lue wouldn’t share that. Subsequently, the Cavaliers were in a similar situation last season and they turned up their intensity and play once the playoffs came around. With the playoff getting closer, the Cavaliers defense will be a great story to continue to follow to see if Lue’s plan is executed to perfection.
