Kosport Magazine: Cleveland Cavaliers’ Defense Dominates in 2-0 Series Lead Against Orlando Magic
The Cleveland Cavaliers have set the tone in their first-round series against the Orlando Magic, dominating on the defensive end and taking a 2-0 lead. The Cavs have limited the Magic to just 34.4% shooting from the field, the fourth worst by any team through the first two games of the playoffs in the past 60 seasons. This smothering defense has been the key to their success and has given them a chance to make a statement in the postseason.
The frontcourt duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley have been a force to be reckoned with, making it difficult for the Magic’s offense to find any rhythm. In Game 2, the Magic shot just 7-of-25 when contested by either big man. This has been a particularly productive series for Allen, who became just the third player in Cavaliers history to record at least 20 rebounds in a playoff game. He also became the first player in franchise history to have back-to-back 15-point, 15-rebound games in the playoffs.
For Allen, this series is an opportunity to shed a label after last season’s first-round series loss to the New York Knicks. He struggled in that series, but this time around, he has been a key factor in the Cavs’ success. “The lights were brighter than expected,” he said after the series ended. But now, he is more comfortable with his role and knows what he needs to do every night.
The team is also fighting to reclaim their defensive identity, which propelled them to second in the Eastern Conference standings at the All-Star break. Their defensive rating ranked second in the league, but it slipped significantly during the latter half of the season. However, the Cavs spent the week leading up to the playoffs watching film and going over defensive schemes, and it has paid off.
It’s not just the paint defense that has been thriving for the Cavs, but also their perimeter defense. The Magic are shooting just 25.3% on jumpers in this series, their worst field goal percentage over a two-game span this season. The Cavs have found success in taking Orlando’s two leading scorers, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, out of their offensive rhythm.
The key to defending the perimeter, according to Max Strus, is controlling the tempo and making the Magic take tough shots. And with two of the best centers in the game in Allen and Mobley, the Cavs have a strong defensive presence in the paint. Even when they are subbed out, reserves Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert have provided seamless defensive support.
As the series shifts to Orlando for Game 3, the Cavs are bracing for the Magic’s offense to bounce back. But they know their defense will make the trip, too. “It’s keeping the ‘want to,'” Strus said. “The desire to make a stop and take on that individual challenge. We have a lot of guys on this team that are willing to do that.”
Kosport Magazine: Cleveland’s defense has been the X factor in their 2-0 series lead against Orlando. With their frontcourt duo dominating and their perimeter defense shutting down the Magic’s top scorers, the Cavs are making a statement in the postseason. As the series shifts to Orlando, their strong defensive identity will continue to be their key to success.
