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Cavs’ December Dominance: Offensive Juggernaut and Defensive Resurgence
The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken their hot start to the next level, elevating their game in December to solidify their status as an elite NBA team. After an impressive 15-0 run to begin the season, questions lingered about the sustainability of their success. However, the Cavs’ performance in December has silenced doubters and showcased their true potential.
In December, the Cavaliers played 13 games and went an astounding 12-1. What’s more impressive is the manner of these victories – 11 of the 12 wins were by 10 points or more. This dominance wasn’t just a continuation of their early-season form; it was an improvement.
Offensively, the Cavs reached new heights. They boasted the best offense in the NBA for December, with an offensive rating of 121.4 points per 100 possessions. This marked an improvement from their already impressive November performance, where they ranked third in the league offensively.
A key factor in their offensive success has been their three-point shooting. In December, the Cavs shot an incredible 41.3% from beyond the arc, leading the NBA. This wasn’t just a hot streak – it’s becoming clear that this team is genuinely elite in this aspect of the game.
What’s particularly encouraging is that the Cavs didn’t just maintain their offensive prowess; they also significantly improved their defense. After ranking 20th defensively in November, they surged to the third-best defense in December, allowing just 106.2 points per 100 possessions.
The defensive improvement was largely due to their enhanced perimeter defense. Opponents’ three-point percentage plummeted from 39.8% in November to 33.8% in December. The Cavs also limited three-point attempts, allowing the fifth-fewest per game in the league.
This two-way excellence has established the Cavaliers as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. The consistency and improvement shown over the first few months of the season suggest that this level of play is sustainable.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Cavs’ December performance, tune into the Locked On Cavs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Cavs Podcast:
• Max Strus’s potential impact and ideal lineup combinations
• Cavs’ New Year’s resolutions and championship aspirations
The Orlando Magic are giving a one-fingered salute to the universe
Dec 26, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) dunks during the second half against the Miami Heat at Kia Center. | Mike Watters/Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic will never stop.
Injuries have piled up like rush hour traffic near the Disney parks. Orlando’s three best offensive players — Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Mo Wagner — are all out, the first two with rare torn oblique injuries and the latter for the season with a torn ACL. They should be dead and buried, with the funeral service concluded long ago.
Instead, the Magic keep raging, sticking out their middle fingers to the basketball gods who seem determined to throw every obstacle imaginable in their path. They’re 3-3 in the six games since the elder Wagner’s injury (including the win in which he went down in the first quarter), pairing a defense that gets more ferocious after each blow with an offense that has cobbled together just enough points to keep things interesting.
Jalen Suggs has become the de facto number-one option, a role he is ill-suited for. Suggs is shooting 41% from the field and 31% from deep, but you’d never know fromthe 37% usage (a monstrous figure) he’s posted in the last six games. The Magic’s offense looks best when someone else can help him out. Rookie Tristan da Silva has been the unlikely second banana many nights — he’s had five games in his last eight of at least 15 points after only notching one such performance in his first 23. Consistency, unfortunately, is hard to find; da Silva also had two games in his last three where he scored exactly zero points.
But there are still plenty of reasons for concern.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Milestone Star guard Darius Garland is on the verge of making NBA history. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Bleacher Report examines the biggest regret of every NBA team from 2024, providing insights into the Cleveland Cavaliers’ key decisions and their impact. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis The Cleveland Cavaliers are having a standout season. Their dominance has been remarkable, yet betting markets have been slow to reflect their prowess. (CBS Sports)
Fantasy Basketball Implications of Jaden Ivey’s Injury
Jan 1, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) grabs his leg as he falls to the court after being injured against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel/Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The start of 2025 in the NBA has been nothing short of chaotic, with injuries taking centre stage. Jaden Ivey’s injury is particularly concerning, as it appears to be quite serious. The Detroit Pistons guard was having a strong game with 22 points and five three-pointers before the unfortunate incident. The severity of the injury suggests that Ivey might be sidelined for the remainder of the season, which is a significant blow to the Pistons and fantasy managers alike.
Fantasy Implications of Ivey’s Injury
With Ivey potentially out for the season, the Pistons will need to adjust their lineup. Ausar Thompson is likely to see an increase in minutes and responsibilities. Thompson’s ability to contribute across various categories makes him a valuable pickup in fantasy leagues. While his shooting may be inconsistent, his defensive stats and hustle play could provide a much-needed boost to fantasy rosters.
Malik Beasley might also see an uptick in playing time, although his recent performances have been less than stellar. Beasley is primarily a points and threes contributor, and his role could expand in Ivey’s absence. For those in deeper leagues, Marcus Sasser could become a viable option, especially if Cade Cunningham faces any setbacks.
Click the button below to see who’s rising and falling on the Bulls and Wizards.
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