As most fans of the team know, the Cleveland Cavaliers have gotten off to a rocky start this season. Through their first seven outings, the Cavs, who have now lost three consecutive games, are carrying a 3-4 record, which ranks them fourth in the Central Division — a far cry from where they intend on being in the coming months. What’s causing their struggles, you ask? LeBron James thinks it has a lot to do with transition defense.
“We have to do a lot better at that,” James said of the Cavs’ transition defense after Wednesday’s practice session. “Even when we score, teams are getting up the floor at a higher pace, playing at a higher pace than us. So our defensive transition is what we have to key in a lot more.”
Earlier this week, James mentioned that the starting unit, himself included, is costing the team games. While he may be right, the Cavs have more than just one issue that needs attention.
The Cavs are allowing opposing sides an average of 114.3 points per game and have failed to hold six of the seven teams they’ve faced this season under 100 points (Boston scored 99 in Cleveland’s season-opening win). Furthermore, Cleveland has allowed opposing sides to score 60-plus points in the first half in three of their last four games, including New Orleans’ 65 (loss), Chicago’s 64 (win), and New York’s 62 (loss).
As you can see, some work needs to be done on the defensive end of the floor. The Cavs aren’t panicking, though. In fact, James is remaining positive.
Via Joe Vardon of cleveland.com:
“What month is this for me? What is this? October? I’m not about to go crazy over it right now,” James said. “It’s too long of a season and I’ve been a part of this too many times so, I’m the wrong guy to ask. I’m too positive right now.”
The Cavs will have a shot at redemption on Wednesday night, when they host the Indiana Pacers inside Quicken Loans Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST, with Fox Sports Ohio and Fox Sports Indiana having live broadcast coverage.
