IMPROVE: What the Cleveland Cavaliers MUST FIX Defensively! | Can Donovan Mitchell Give More?
On this edition of Locked On Cavs, Danny Cunningham breaks down the recent defensive woes that the Cleveland Cavaliers have dealt with. He begins the show by discussing the effort given on the defensive end of the floor by the Cavaliers, stating how it hasn’t been at a championship caliber level over the past several games. Next, Danny discusses the recent play of Donovan Mitchell, and ponders whether he could be attempting to physically save himself for the playoffs, given the way the past couple of postseason runs have ended for Mitchell. Finally, Danny breaks down the playoff race in the Eastern Conference, saying he now expects the Cavs to face the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs.
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9 Comments
Timestamps!
00:00 Cavs Defensive Concerns
Discussion of recent defensive struggles, effort issues, and key stats behind the Cavs' performance over the last 10 games, including point totals allowed and why effort, health, and three-point defense are critical as the playoffs approach.
15:33 Donovan Mitchell's Impact
Analysis of Donovan Mitchell's recent performance, both offensively and defensively, his health status, and why the Cavs need more from him as postseason nears; includes thoughts on resting players and overall team health.
24:15 Playoff Picture & Injury Updates
Updates on Cavs' injuries, rotation, and anticipated player returns; breakdown of the current Eastern Conference playoff picture, likely first-round opponents, and what the Cavs need to do to clinch a playoff berth.
What is your biggest defensive concern for the Cleveland Cavaliers right now?
Kenny small ball will always lead to bad defense.
Cavs vs. Hawks first round. How y'all feeling about that?
I think the Cavs punted this game. They wanna stay in the 4 spot and the Knicks have started to do their best to take that spot.
No worries at all. Cavs started strong against the Lakers, then relaxed. It's easy to see the mini tanking, it's just a bit of playoff seeding manipulation to get the Pistons in the second round. The afterburners will ignite in the playoffs. In the first round the only team that might win a game or two is the Hornets, but a sweep is more likely. 2nd round against Pistons will be easy, Atkinson is light years ahead of nepo Bitcherstaff.
IT'S almost time for the playoff grind gotta man up and guard your yard we switching stuff and still give up wide open layups and 3s it's easy to score on us if teams bait mobley away it's eazy money I hope we fix that with effort bcuz that is the difference 💯 let's go cavs
You are completely wrong when you say you can’t expect effort every night! That’s the one thing you can control plus you get used to things. It’s a habit to give effort on every play. Great players and great teams have great habits when you’re in the habit of slacking off you slack off at the worst possible time if you never slack off, but give all effort all the time. It’s obviously beneficial. It’s called by spiritual teachers, being fully present in the moment! Being fully present is how greatness comes, no other way!
Haven’t we been talking about Cavs “effort” all year? I think they are clearly a worse team than last year – first round exit very possible