The Cleveland Cavaliers’ dominant 38-9 start to the season has left little room for concern, but a troubling pattern is starting to emerge.
While the team has been fine-tuning various aspects of their game, their defense has become a glaring issue.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson and the Cavs are now zeroing in on this weakness as they prepare to face the Detroit Pistons on Monday, hoping to snap their three-game losing streak.
The Eastern Conference leaders hit another bump in the road on Saturday, dropping a 135-131 decision to the Houston Rockets – their second loss to Houston within four days.
The defeat also put a dent in their impressive home record, which now stands at 21-3. Beyond the mounting losses, Cleveland’s defensive woes are raising red flags.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com highlighted that the Cavs’ defensive rating in January sits at a concerning 118.9, placing them 29th in the league.
“#Cavs defensive rating in January is 118.9. That ranks 29th. Only team worse this month is Washington.” Fedor wrote.
#Cavs defensive rating in January is 118.9. That ranks 29th. Only team worse this month is Washington.
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) January 26, 2025
Despite Darius Garland’s explosive 39-point performance and Donovan Mitchell’s 33-point contribution, the Cavaliers couldn’t secure the win.
Even shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 43.6 percent from three wasn’t enough to counter Houston’s offensive onslaught.
The Rockets had four starters eclipse the 20-point mark, shooting an efficient 54.9 percent from the field and 46.4 percent from beyond the arc.
January has exposed Cleveland’s defensive vulnerabilities, with the team surrendering 114 or more points in eight of their 12 games.
Saturday’s matchup further highlighted these issues, as they struggled to contain Houston’s dominant big men.
Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams had their way in the paint, combining for 40 points and 12 rebounds to secure the Rockets’ victory.
NEXT: 3 Cavs Players Have Been Ruled Out For Pistons Game
