Cavs renaissance continues with big road win over the Clippers

Cavs banked on defense to secure third win of the season

The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their win streak to three with a huge winning over the LA Clippers on the road, 92-79. The Cavs were once again able to rely on their improved defense to close out with a victory and continue the west coast road trip on a high.

In some sort of a reversal of roles from the other night’s win against an equally formidable Denver Nuggets team, it was the Cavaliers guards who took over when the frontcourt finally saw a regression in terms of scoring output.

Collin Sexton led all scorers in the game with 26, shooting an efficient 12-for-20 from the field, while Darius Garland and Ricky Rubio collaborated for 31 points and nine assists in the win. All three guards have been a part of the swarming defense that held the home team to below 36 percent shooting from the field.

While Cleveland briefly held their breaths late in the third period when it appeared the Clippers was mounting a comeback, they managed to clamp back down to run away with the blowout victory. Never once did they give up the lead against LA.

Cavs building a competitive identity on both ends

Rookie Evan Mobley (12) and an engaged Kevin Love (10) were the only other Cavaliers to finish in double figures tonight as the jumbo lineup finally saw a scoring fallout following their hot start. But all is well as they remained vital in the win with their activity on the defensive end.

The NBA’s tallest starting frontcourt made it extremely difficult for the Clippers to score in the paint. Tower City also completely blanketed their opponents on the boards, 57-36. A good sign that they have been making the right adjustments after losing the rebounds battle during their first three contests.

Seldom-used forward Lamar Stevens received heavy minutes as he was tasked to be the primary defender for Paul George. The former Cavaliers two-way player stepped up to the plate and smothered the Clippers All-Star, limiting him to 12 points off 6-for-20 shooting from the field.

As a team, the Cavs also held the home team to a total of 29 combined points between the opening and final quarters of the game. Very promising for a young team looking to build a competitive identity with the mettle to close out games.

However, for the second game in a row, Cleveland shot horribly from beyond the arc. Last season’s worst three-point shooting team better hope that tonight’s 3-20 shooting clip is their rock bottom. With several playoff contenders next on the calendar, the Cavs need to figure that bit out.

Can the Cavs extend the streak further? They will remain in town to battle the Los Angeles Lakers on the 30th, before visiting recent NBA finalists Phoenix Suns and opening night tormentors Charlotte Hornets to end the grueling west coast road trip.