Can Cleveland Cavaliers Sustain Success On Defensive End?

Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA
NBA Analysis Network

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the more pleasant surprises in the NBA this season. They are currently in 6th place in the Eastern Conference with a 12-10 record, which is tied with the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics.

No one really expected the Cavaliers to be in the spot that they are. A lot of focus was on poking fun at them for the strategy they took to build their roster. They were big man heavy, acquiring Lauri Markkanen in a sign-and-trade after signing Jarrett Allen to a $100 million deal in free agency and using the No. 3 overall pick on center Evan Mobley out of USC.

But, the Cavaliers had a plan and thus far, it has worked out well. J.B. Bickerstaff has done a wonderful job with the roster he has been given, getting the most out of his guys on a nightly basis.

Cleveland has faced a lot of adversity during the season. They have had a daunting schedule, facing the league’s toughest thus far. Injuries have also played a part, as Ricky Rubio is the only player to have appeared in all 22 games this season. Darius Garland is the only other player to reach the 20-game plateau yet as well.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Cleveland Cavaliers — Pass Or Pursue?

Despite that, the Cavaliers find themselves right in the thick of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. They have accomplished that by playing some of the best defense in the NBA thus far this season.

Cleveland is fourth in the league in defensive rating according to Basketball-Reference. That has been buoying their success, as they are 21st in offensive rating. They need to find another consistent threat outside of Garland, as the team is scoring 14.5 points fewer per 100 possessions when he is on the bench.

The injury to Collin Sexton, who tore his meniscus and will miss the remainder of the season, certainly hurts in that department. But, Sexton being out of the lineup has enabled the team to use Isaac Okoro, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, more at shooting guard, which has helped keep the defense at the level that it is.

That helps the Cavaliers balance out their starting five. Bickerstaff has gone with a bit of an unorthodox approach, starting Markkanen at small forward along with Mobley and Allen in the frontcourt. That grouping has produced positive results thus far this season.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Cleveland Cavaliers — Pass Or Pursue?

That trio has a NetRating of 4.4 in 198 minutes this season, with an offensive rating of 102.7 and a defensive rating of 98.3. Out of all the three-man lineups with at least 198 minutes played this season, they are 33rd in defensive rating.

If they can keep it up on that end of the court, the Cavaliers are going to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot as the NetRating gets even better when you include Garland in the mix. The only real red flag that the Cavaliers currently have when it comes to their defense, as pointed out by Zach Lowe of ESPN, is their opponent’s 3-point shooting.

Right now, Cavaliers’ opponents have made only 32.9 percent of their 3-point attempts, which is the third-lowest mark in the NBA. But, Cleveland is stingy when it comes to surrendering 3-pointers as they do a good job of running people off the line. Even if that percentage has a return to the mean, the Cavaliers should be able to withstand it as they limit the chances.

Closing out on shooters means that they have to attack the rim, which is a no-fly zone in Cleveland. Allen and Mobley are a dominant rim-protecting duo as the Cavaliers’ defense is designed to funnel shot attempts near them, as they have proven to be very difficult to score on.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Cleveland Cavaliers — Pass Or Pursue?

Cavaliers’ opponents have shot just 58 percent at the rim, which is second-best in the NBA. That number feels like it is more sustainable given the personnel of the roster. As long as Allen and Mobley remain healthy, they will continue anchoring what has been one of the best defenses in the league.

Health is key when it comes to the Cavaliers remaining near the top of the league in defensive metrics. They are building a nice core in Cleveland and could prove to be a difficult out, especially if they can make strides offensively as they have on the defensive side of the ball.

Curry Powers Warriors to 128-121 Win Over Lakers During Pivotal Matchup

In a pivotal Western Conference matchup, Stephen Curry marked his return to the Golden State Warriors lineup with a standout performance, leading his team to

Rockets Defeat Cavs 117-103, Secure 5th Consecutive Win

The Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to five games with a 117-103 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers during Saturday’s NBA action, marking a significant

Donovan Mitchell Admits to Rushed Injury Return, Expects to Miss Time

In the wake of a disappointing loss to the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell expressed his decision to take an indefinite leave from