- Richard Jefferson says he’s only mean to former Cavs teammates after destroying Tristan Thompson on ESPN
- Donovan Mitchell says he should’ve made All-NBA First Team: ‘I don’t know what the standard is’
- Brian Windhorst thinks Cavs and Suns will be targeting a lot of the same free agents next couple years
- Report: Cavs to host Magic for preseason game in October
- Donovan Mitchell unfollows Ja Morant on Twitter amid Grizzlies guard’s troubling antics
- Cavs guard Ricky Rubio considering return to Europe in future
- Channing Frye recalls similar play to Derrick White’s game-winner vs. Miami Heat that ‘hurt’
- Former Cavs big man publicly rips United Airlines for mishandling his luggage again
- Report: Cavs intend to bring back Cedi Osman and Lamar Stevens
- Former Cavs player believes Gabe Vincent’s absence could tip Boston Celtics-Miami Heat series
Kyrie Irving Reveals Why His Defense Will Be Better in Playoffs
- Updated: April 14, 2017
The defensive skills of the Cleveland Cavaliers and starting point guard Kyrie Irving have been subject to severe criticism this season, with the team ranking near the bottom in that category since the All-Star break. However, Irving is confident that the defense for both during the postseason will lead to renewed success due to the Cavs being able to hone in on one team during the playoffs.
Cavs practice is over @KyrieIrving says he knows defense will be better because Cavs get to game plan for one team..
— Fred McLeod (@CavsFredMcLeod) April 14, 2017
Over the previous two seasons, the Cavaliers’ success during the first three rounds of the NBA playoffs has allowed them to compile an outstanding 24-4 record. In each of those series, they had the luxury of narrowing their focus, while also not being burdened with the troublesome problem of playing on consecutive nights.
That’s led to two consecutive finals appearances, winning the title last year by capturing Game 7 on the road over the Golden State Warriors. In that game, the Cavs held the Warriors to just 89 points, shutting them completely down in the crucial final minutes.
The Cavs begins defense of their title on Saturday afternoon, when they host the Indiana Pacers at Quicken Loans Arena. That game will tip off just after 3 p.m. ET and be broadcast nationally on ABC.
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