The Cleveland Cavaliers put on a defensive clinic against the Phoenix Suns, securing a commanding 118-92 victory on Monday afternoon. This win wasn’t just about the scoreboard; it was a statement of intent and a showcase of the team’s resilience following recent challenges.
Our defense was the cornerstone of this triumph. Holding a potent Suns offense to just 92 points is no small feat, especially considering their firepower with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. It’s the second-lowest point total we’ve allowed this season, reminiscent of our stellar performance against Golden State on December 30th.
What stood out was our physicality at the point of attack. Yes, we had a few fouls on jump shooters, but I’ll take that aggression any day. It shows we’re closing out hard and disrupting their rhythm. We limited Phoenix to just 26 three-point attempts, continuing our trend of controlling opponents’ perimeter shots.
The little things made a big difference. We dominated the offensive glass, securing 23 second-chance points to Phoenix’s measly four. Forcing 17 turnovers while committing only nine ourselves was crucial, especially after our turnover issues against OKC last week.
Donovan Mitchell stepped up big time, dropping 33 points. While his efficiency (11-of-25 shooting) wasn’t ideal, his second-half performance was stellar with 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting. It’s a reminder of Mitchell’s ability to carry the offensive load when needed, even though our balanced attack usually doesn’t require it.
Darius Garland’s 16 points might not jump off the stat sheet, but his impact within the flow of our offense was significant. He’s playing some of his best basketball, and it’s a key reason why we boast the NBA’s top offense – something I wouldn’t have predicted at the start of the season.
This win feels like a turning point. We’ve responded well to the OKC setback, and our defense is trending in the right direction. If we can maintain this level of intensity and execution, we’ll be a formidable force as we push towards the playoffs.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Cavs’ impressive performance against the Suns, tune into the Locked On Cavs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Cavs Podcast:
• Jarrett Allen’s historic shooting efficiency
• Jaylon Tyson’s impactful minutes off the bench
• Injury updates on Evan Mobley, Caris LeVert, and Isaac Okoro
