Cavaliers Need To Refind This Crucial Identity

The Cleveland Cavaliers are struggling to find defensive consistency.

There are plenty of explanations for the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent struggles. Injuries and a difficult schedule are two reasons that immediately jump out. However, there is one part of Cleveland's game that was once viewed as a strength but has now become a liability. This would be Cleveland's defensive identity.

This has been a theme for the Cavs going all the way to training camp. J.B. Bickerstaff has preached playing strong, tough defense will lead to more opportunities on the offense end.

The Cavs had no issues with this in the early part of the season. Cleveland went into the All-Star Break with the second-best defensive rating (110.3) in the NBA. But they've looked like a shell of that since returning from the midseason hiatus.

Since the All-Star Break, Cleveland has a defensive rating of 112.8 which is ranked 17th in the league. Their opponents are shooting 46.4% from the floor and 37.2% from behind the arc. 

Bickerstaff is very aware that his team is struggling on this end of the floor. He cited Cleveland's defense for their disappointing loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday afternoon and he had this to say.

"We weren't in the right places defensively," said Bickerstaff. "For us, we talk about it, the defense sets our tone. We'll typically find a way to manufacture enough points, but if we're not getting it done on the defense end then we don't give ourselves a chance to win." 

Mar 16, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) splits the defense of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) and forward Georges Niang (20) in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports / © Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

There are many unknowns with the Cavs roster. How long will Donovan Mitchell's knee injury keep him out? When will they get Evan Mobley and Max Strus back? 

Something that must be consistent if they hope to get back on track is how they defend their opponent from night to night.