The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a remarkable defensive turnaround in December, climbing from 20th overall in November to fourth this month. This dramatic improvement has been a key factor in the team’s recent success.
Kenny Atkinson’s new defensive strategy, which emphasizes switching, has been a significant change from J.B. Bickerstaff’s approach. The team is now switching at a much higher rate, creating a more dynamic and aggressive defensive style. This adjustment hasn’t been without its challenges, particularly for players like Jarrett Allen, who’s had to adapt to defending on the perimeter more often.
The increased switching has also impacted the team’s three-point defense. In November, opponents shot a blistering 39.8% from beyond the arc against the Cavs, ranking them dead last in the league. December has seen a dramatic improvement, with opponent three-point percentage dropping to 32.9%, good for sixth in the NBA.
Jarrett Allen’s role in this new defensive scheme has been particularly noteworthy. He’s been asked to switch out onto guards more frequently, a significant departure from his previous role as a primary rim protector. While this adjustment has been challenging, it’s a necessary evolution for the team’s long-term success, especially when considering potential playoff matchups.
The defensive improvement isn’t just about scheme changes. The team’s overall intensity and focus have noticeably increased. This shift in attitude, combined with the new tactical approach, has been crucial in elevating the Cavs’ defensive performance.
Looking ahead, the challenge for the Cavs will be maintaining this defensive intensity while continuing to refine their new approach. As players become more comfortable with the switching scheme, we can expect to see even more improvement on this end of the floor.
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:
• Max Strus’s imminent return and its impact on the rotation
• Caris LeVert’s evolving role and improved shot selection
• The potential for an 11-man rotation and its implications
