It’s been an on-going saga for the last few weeks with the Cleveland Cavaliers struggling significantly, dropping the last nine out of 12 games. The reason for their struggle has been mainly on the defensive end, as the Cavs are now ranked 29th in defensive efficiency, only ahead of the Sacramento Kings.
It’s been embarrassing for the defending Eastern Conference champions to struggle so much, and it’s been the worst stretch of LeBron James’ illustrious career. They simply have no answers for the team’s latest downfall.
Cavaliers star being blamed for recent struggles
With frustrations growing, the Cavaliers held a team meeting prior to Monday’s practice where most players pointed fingers at Kevin Love, who left Saturday’s game with an illness and did not return.
“Several players challenged the legitimacy of Kevin Love leaving the OKC loss on Saturday and missing Sunday’s practice,” Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN said.
Love defended himself and explained his side of the story to teammates, coaches, and management, and the team felt that they had worked out some issues.
In a locker room increasingly full of finger-pointing, Love defended himself and explained his side to teammates, coaches and management, sources said. At end of meeting, there was a sense with some that team had worked out some issues, but that ultimately remains to be seen.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 23, 2018
Love left Saturday’s game two minutes into the contest, and he never returned, watching the game from the sidelines.
The team suffered a 24-point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, allowing 148 points. Love has been disappointing of late, shooting under 40 percent and averaging merely 10.5 points and 6.7 rebounds in the last seven games.
What the Cavaliers must do to turn things around
It is good that the team is airing out their problems and putting everything on the table.
Now it’s time for every player to be held accountable and for them to return to playing inspired team basketball. It was evident that they would struggle trying to incorporate Isaiah Thomas into the offense, but it has gone way too far.
The Cavaliers have a game coming up against the San Antonio Spurs, who will be without several key players, including Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobili, Rudy Gay, and Pau Gasol.
It would be a travesty if Cleveland cannot beat a depleted Spurs team, but at the same time, this is the chance for them to turn things around.
Possible moves and transactions
Of course, in the midst of these struggles, the Cavaliers have been actively attempting to make moves. Ultimately, making a drastic move ahead of the deadline would also help them improve, especially if they are able to get a defensive cog like DeAndre Jordan.
There is still plenty of time left for the Cavaliers to return to their championship form, but they have to repair their issues right now, so they can be at their best, come playoff time.
