The Cleveland Cavaliers were already promising last season but they have become better in just about every way this year.
One of the ways they have improved is their defense, which is now quite literally one of the best in the league.
Best defense in the NBA!#LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/K4O6x29k0o
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) February 7, 2023
In fact, they have held their opponents under 100 points 17 times so far in 2022-23.
That is more than the Miami Heat (11), Phoenix Suns (9), Boston Celtics (9), Philadelphia 76ers (9), and Milwaukee Bucks (9).
They are leading the rest of the Association by a pretty big margin.
It’s a remarkable feat, especially for a team that most people consider to be filled with more sharpshooters than defenders.
Special notice must be given to both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, who run the Cavaliers’ frontcourt.
These two stars are playing expertly together, blocking opponents and chipping at the glass regularly.
But other players like Caris LeVert and Donovan Mitchell are also doing tremendous defensive work.
A couple of months ago, Mitchell noted that his move to Cleveland from Utah gave him a chance to improve every part of his game and show how versatile he is.
Sure enough, he has stepped it up on the defensive end of the court and is delivering on his promise.
The Cavaliers still have a way to go as they are currently the fourth team in the East and they want to climb even higher than that.
That’ll be a tough task because they are behind powerful teams: the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Boston Celtics.
So far this season, the team has stayed mostly consistent and mostly healthy too.
They have definitely enhanced their defensive game.
The Cavaliers will need to keep that up in the months ahead.
NEXT: The Cavaliers Make A Big Choice About Kevin Love
