The Cleveland Cavaliers are continuing to ride the lethargic train. Their awful defense has long been the problem, but what they are showcasing over the past month is just a whole new low.
Following Thursday’s ugly 34-point loss to the Toronto Raptors, the Cavs have lost seven of their last 10, and have also allowed 110 or more points in four of their last five. It’s a defensive effort that even a boatload of offensive talent can save – not LeBron James and a system more focused on pushing the pace and shooting threes.
James, of course, is well-aware of how dreadful they are on that part of the court, and he is so pissed right now, he is in no mood to hear about it. Prior to facing the Indiana Pacers on the road Friday night, he got a little testy with Jerry Sullivan of Buffalo News:
I asked LeBron James what it says about the defense that 3 highest-scoring games against of year are in last 3 games: ""That if we put you in the lineup, we'd probably give up even more, because you look like you couldn't guard anybody."
— Jerry Sullivan (@ByJerrySullivan) January 12, 2018
Don’t be surprised if James remains to be in such a temper moving forward. The Cavaliers again added an “L” in the losing column versus the Pacers, as they – surprise, surprise – collapsed defensively. They blew a 22-point, first quarter lead, and a game-long control of the game in the last couple of seconds.
There’s still 40 games left in the regular season, but this Cavs squad could now be feeling some pressure and exhaustion with the recent defeats. It’s not a good sign that they are squandering big leads despite James posting strong numbers of 27 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists.
LeBron James and company will return on their home floor Monday, where they will play host to the Golden State Warriors – and yes, the Cavaliers don’t appear to be ready taking on the defending champions.