The Cleveland Cavaliers have apparently gone from a solid playoff team to a legitimate championship contender, and the bulk of their improvements this season have come on the offensive end of the court.
They rank first in offensive rating, overall field-goal percentage, free throw percentage and 3-point accuracy, and they’re second in points per game, and much of the credit has to go to new head coach Kenny Atkinson.
But while their defense isn’t exactly bad or even mediocre, Cavs broadcaster Rafa Hernandez-Brito said that they need to continue to improve on the defensive end, per Full Court Cleveland.
It's almost time to #LetEmKnow@ElalcaldeRafa speaks to the importance of the Cavs' defense continuing to improve. pic.twitter.com/B130z7RevI
— Full Court Cleveland (@FullCourtCLE) December 23, 2024
Coming into Monday’s game versus the Utah Jazz, Cleveland ranks seventh in defensive rating, which is certainly a very solid ranking.
During their current four-game winning streak, they have been fourth in that category, and they’re third in defensive rating in their last nine games.
Last season, they were also seventh in defensive rating, but the year prior to that, they were tops in that department.
Cleveland has a luxury in the form of two starting big men — Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen — who are shot-blocking threats, and as a result, they’re fifth in opponents’ points in the paint per game.
But their perimeter defense needs to improve — they’re 23rd in opponents’ 3-point shooting percentage — and they need to get better on the boards, as they’re a mediocre rebounding team.
Still, the Cavs have the NBA’s best record at 25-4, and they have consistently won games throughout this season thus far.
NEXT: Cavs Announce Starters For Monday's Game
