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The Cleveland Cavaliers are determined to tighten up their defense as they host the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. Following a tough three-game losing streak, the Cavaliers know their path to success begins with addressing their defensive struggles.
Cavaliers Seek Defensive Revival
The Cavaliers have allowed 114 or more points in eight of their last 12 games, including Saturday’s 135-131 loss to the Houston Rockets. Despite stellar offensive efforts from Darius Garland (39 points) and Donovan Mitchell (33 points), Cleveland couldn’t contain Houston’s sharp shooting. The Rockets hit 54.9% of their shots from the field and an impressive 46.4% from beyond the arc.
“We’re scoring 130 points, but it seems like we’re consistently giving up in the 130s,” Atkinson said. “If we can get back to defending like we have most of the year, we’ll be fine. But right now, we’re leaking in too many places.”
Evan Mobley returned to the lineup Saturday after missing four games with a calf strain. While his seven points and eight rebounds showed a bit of rust, his presence is key to stabilizing Cleveland’s interior defense. Atkinson remains optimistic that the Cavaliers can turn things around. “This patch of adversity is good. Let’s see how we respond to this. We’ll bounce back,” he added.
Pistons Bring Energy and Physicality
Detroit heads into Monday’s game after a 121-113 loss to the Orlando Magic, ending their four-game road winning streak. Cade Cunningham shone in the defeat, posting 35 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds. However, the game was marred by physical play, resulting in seven technical fouls and the ejection of Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Despite the loss, Bickerstaff praised his team’s toughness.
“These games are going to be extremely physical,” he said. “We understand that. Just make sure we maintain the physicality and do not allow the officials to become a part of the game because we take it too far.”
One bright spot for Detroit was the strong play of Ausar Thompson, who delivered 16 points, five rebounds, and four steals in 29 minutes. Thompson, recently back from an illness, is ready to take on a larger role, especially if Tobias Harris is unavailable due to a head injury suffered against Orlando.
“I feel great,” Thompson said. “However many minutes they need me to play, I’ll be ready.”
Cavaliers Hold the Edge at Home
Cleveland has dominated Detroit in recent years, boasting 10 straight wins over the Pistons, including a 113-101 victory earlier this season. Despite their recent struggles, the Cavaliers’ 21-3 home record is a testament to their resilience on their own court.
The matchup will test Cleveland’s ability to refocus on defense against a Pistons squad that thrives on high-energy and physical play. Can the Cavaliers contain Detroit’s young stars and find their defensive rhythm? Or will the Pistons capitalize on Cleveland’s recent vulnerabilities?
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Key Storylines to Watch
- Can Cleveland’s defense recover? The Cavaliers need a stronger effort to stop Detroit’s offense.
- How will Cade Cunningham perform? The Pistons’ star guard has been electric in recent games.
- Depth contributions: With injuries affecting both teams, bench players could play a pivotal role.
Fans can expect a hard-fought battle as the Cavaliers aim to get back on track at home while the Pistons look to rebound from their loss in Orlando.
