The Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back in a big way.
They had a tough time against the Houston Rockets, losing three games in a row for the first time this season.
That’s why former Cavs star Austin Carr was pleased to see the Cavs reclaiming their defensive identity.
Following the win over the Detroit Pistons, Carr took to X to praise the team’s defensive identity.
Notably, he also claimed they would need to bring that energy into their upcoming matchup with the Miami Heat.
Cavs have started to get their defensive legs back, good sign,got to have defense in Miami, they have the Cloud of Butler hanging over them, chance for Cavs to take advantage, good night and stay safe
— Austin Carr (@MrCavalier34) January 28, 2025
As Carr pointed out, the Heat are currently dealing with the Jimmy Butler saga, so he believes they need to make the most of that kind of distraction.
Furthermore, the Heat are one of the few teams that have defeated Kenny Atkinson’s squad this season, and that has to be in the back of their minds as well.
Then again, they didn’t have Evan Mobley for most of that contest, as he had to leave with an injury.
The Cavs will soon face the rising Atlanta Hawks, the only other team that has defeated them twice this season.
This stretch, even though it is still in the regular season, will reveal much about the coaching staff and their capability to make adjustments against likely playoff-caliber opponents.
The Cavs are currently the best team in the league, but none of that will matter unless they replicate that success when it counts the most: during a seven-game series to keep their season alive.
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