The Cleveland Cavaliers lost their third straight game, and second in a week to the Houston Rockets on Saturday. The Cavs’ loss marks their only and longest losing streak of the season. Previously, the Cavs had yet to lose more than once in a row this season. The Cavs are now a measly 3-5 in their last eight games. Injuries have certainly contributed to the Cavs’ mediocre last two weeks, but they are not Cleveland’s only problem right now.
Cavs In Slump Amidst 3-Game Losing Streak
Since going a staggering 12-1 in the month of December, the Cavs have taken a step back in January, sitting at 7-5. While slumps are normal in the NBA, specifically for a team that has started so well like Cleveland, there are reasons for concern amid their current run.
Bad Defense
In January, the Cavs defense was the 28th-ranked in the NBA, just above the six-win Washington Wizards and the under .500 Philadelphia 76ers. The defense has been a major issue during the Cavs’ slide; they allowed 120+ points in seven of their 12 games in January. In comparison, Cleveland boasted the third-best defensive rating in the league in December showcasing a massive falloff.
For context, Evan Mobley, Caris LeVert, and Isaac Okoro have missed significant time during January. Okoro and Mobley are two of the Cavs’ most impactful defenders so it hurts to lose them both at the same time. However, Mobley returned to the lineup against Houston on Saturday and was unable to right the ship as the Cavs surrendered 135 points.
Cleveland is being exposed against highly active, physical, and athletic winged teams. The Rockets and Atlanta Hawks are a combined 4-0 against Cleveland this season and showcase some of the league’s most athletic wings. Amen Thompson recorded a triple-double last night versus the Cavs. Thompson tallied 30 total rebounds in both matchups against Cleveland at just 6-7.
The Cavs’ injuries have forced rotation changes as well. Big man Tristan Thompson has seen his most playing time of the season in the past week. The injuries have highlighted the Cavs’ need to bring in more wing depth. Cleveland entered their matchup against the Rockets with just four healthy wing players and only three saw the court.
Trade Rumors
The Cavaliers have expressed interest in acquiring forward Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell @joevardon.
Cleveland is looking to address distinct disadvantages in size and physicality on the perimeter.
Details
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— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) January 17, 2025
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Cleveland has expressed interest in acquiring Nets’ wing Cam Johnson. He is having a career year in Brooklyn and would certainly sure up the Cavs’ wing defense. The former Phoenix Sun is averaging 19.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 49.1% from the floor and 41.9% from three. Johnson would slide right into the Cavs starting lineup and make for one of the best defensive starting fives in the league. However, it would require the Cavs to likely part with one or two players. Potentially rookie Jaylon Tyson, Sam Merrill, or even Okoro would have to depart to bring in Johnson.
The Last Word
Despite the Cavs’ glowing record, the month of January has shown Cleveland’s flaws. A lack of perimeter defense and wing shooting will hurt the Cavs massively in a playoff series. It is not every day that a team wins 36 of its first 45 games, which is even more of a reason why the Cavs should make a move ahead of the trade deadline.
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