Factory Of Sadness
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Cleveland Cavaliers: Where has the defense gone this series?

By Ric McElroy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 20: LeBron James INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 20: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the second half of game three of the NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 20, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 92-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 20: LeBron James INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 20: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the second half of game three of the NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 20, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 92-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Voice of the Fan is not enjoying the Cleveland Cavaliers lack of defense.

The Cleveland Cavaliers need to learn how to play defense! There is little doubt of that. There was maybe some hope after their trade deadline trades were made that something would change for the better in for Cleveland.

There was hope that the Cavs defense would change by getting younger and adding more speed in the backcourt. However, if the first and third games of this first round playoff series with the Indiana Pacers is any indication, the Cavaliers have plenty to do.

It seems that teams have the Cavs number if they play physical defense. Cleveland, in turn, doesn’t get a few calls from the referees and then they get frustrated and make mistakes more often.

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Even LeBron James gets caught up in the frustration. One recent example of this was when James got stripped by the Pacers and stood at the end of the court.

Meanwhile, the other Cavs players ran down the court to play defense or tried too. James isn’t setting a good example. Just because he believed there was a missed call shouldn’t change the fact that he needs to hustle down the court and play defense.

The Pacers continue to spread out on offense and make a series of quick passes to eventually find the open man. That play then either goes to the paint for a short shot or layup or sank a deeper jumper or even a three pointer.

This style of play by the Pacers has been seen on many occasions. They also have hit their three pointers at a better clip than the clanks the Cleveland team has thrown up – 34 to 31 percent.

We all know and have been told all season that if the Cavs don’t hit their threes then they have a big problem. What it comes down to is their lack of a legitimate inside game.

Without much to show on offense in the paint, soon enough Cleveland is back defending. Unfortunately, as this series has shown so far, the Cavs are unable to play adequate defense and that is so important in the playoffs!

Sure, Cleveland could get hot streak on a certain night and walk away with a win. However, in the playoffs, it is just one win and it’s not consistent enough to get a team to advance to the next round.

Next: Airing grievances at KLove and Ty Lue

If the Cavs can’t pick it up on the defensive end they won’t be in the finals this year. Not only that but they won’t even move on from this round!

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