© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
REPORT: Cavs Players “Openly Questioned” Defensive Plan Against Clippers
The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly did not like how they defended Paul George in the final play of their loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
There are only four games left in the regular season before the playoffs begin. Now is not the time for there to be uncertainty sweeping through the locker room. It should be about dialing in and preparing for whomever the Cleveland Cavaliers face in the first round of the playoffs.
Instead, it appears there is some apprehension regarding some of the recent defensive decisions.
The Cavs blew a 26-point lead to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon making it one of the worst losses of the season. LA took the lead on a jump shot from Paul George on their last possession. But the team seems to be in disagreement on how this last shot was defended.
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, “Multiple players openly questioned the defensive strategy afterward. They wondered why the Cavs didn’t attempt to blitz the scorching George and force someone else to play offensive hero.”
Apr 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) celebrates after a three point basket in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
This is how it played out. Evan Mobley ended up taking George one-on-one at the top of the three-point line while Isaac Okoro played off-ball. Even when PG broke for the paint, the Cavs delayed their help until the last second allowing for the Clippers forward to get up a relatively easy shot.
The defense has been one of Cleveland’s calling cards all season and in years past so to have this be an area of concern is certainly alarming.
Whatever this funk the Cavs are in, they need to break out of it quickly or they’ll be faced with yet another early playoff exit.
