The Cleveland Cavaliers snapped their three-game losing streak with a convincing 110-91 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. This win wasn’t just about getting back in the win column; it was a statement about the team’s defensive identity.
We’ve been talking a lot lately about the Cavs’ defensive slippage. Entering the game, they ranked 28th in defensive rating for January. But against the Pistons, we saw a return to form that should excite fans and silence critics.
The Cavs held Detroit to just 91 points, their lowest output of the season. It was a total team effort, but Max Strus deserves special recognition for his work on Cade Cunningham. Strus made life difficult for the rising star, forcing him into an inefficient 22-point night on 26 shots.
What impressed me most was how the Cavs won despite an off-night offensively. They shot just 44% from the field and a mere 27.3% from three-point range. In previous games, we’ve seen offensive firepower mask defensive shortcomings. Not this time. The Cavs proved they can win ugly when shots aren’t falling.
Evan Mobley’s return from injury is another positive sign. While he’s still finding his rhythm, his presence alone bolsters our defense. His 14 rebounds were crucial in an area where we’ve struggled recently.
The Defensive Turnaround
This performance couldn’t have come at a better time. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Cavs need to prove they can win in multiple ways. Elite offense alone won’t cut it in the postseason. Nights like this, where we lock down opponents and grind out victories, are essential for our championship aspirations.
The challenge now is consistency. Can we stack good defensive games together? Our upcoming matchup against Miami will be a true test. While holding the Heat to 91 points might be a stretch, maintaining this defensive intensity is crucial.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Cavs’ defensive resurgence, tune into the Locked On Cavs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Cavs Podcast:
• Dean Wade injury update and its impact on the team
• Evan Mobley’s progress in his return from injury
• Caris LeVert’s wrist soreness and potential implications
