Live Thread: Cavs @ Bulls

The Cavs are in Chicago for their final meeting of the season. They have lost their last four against the Bulls. During their last matchup in Cleveland, the Cavs were blown out by 18 and the Bulls hit 15 3s (They average just 7.2 a game, which is 30th in the league).

Cleveland has been slipping as of late. Their defense is horrendous. They are .500 in their last ten and have a defensive rating of 112.6, which is 27th in the league.

Opposing teams penetrate with ease, guys switch because fighting through a screen is too much work, people consistently forget to stop the ball in transition, and LeBron James chills on the weak side and yells as no one helps over. The Cavs are the the second oldest team in the league, but at the same time, three of their main rotation players aren’t even old: Iman Shumpert (26), Tristan Thompson (26), and Kyrie Irving (25). Age doesn’t explain everything going on with the defense right now.

In short, the team isn’t trying hard enough. Stopping the ball in transition isn’t hard, yet no one does it. After penetration gets an opponent low into the paint, three Cavs will drop down onto that guy while another player from the opposing team just ducks in for a slam. If this team could eliminate four or five of their mental lapses a night, they could easily get back on track. It might take some energy, but it’s worth it.

The Cavs put up just 74 points against the Spurs Monday. They’ve put up more than that in a half this year. Hopefully, that disastrous performance gives them some motivation to get up tonight.

Things to Watch:

1. The Cavalier defense needs to show that it exists. Tonight, look for Tyronn Lue to have guys completely shut down the 3-line for Chicago. Chicago isn’t a good shooting team, but the Cavs know they can’t let them go off for 15 3s again. It’s a matter of pride.
2. Kevin Love should work down low to get Chicago’s bigs into trouble. Robin Lopez is a good rim protector, but he won’t be able to keep up with Love outside of the paint. A few fouls on Lopez late in the game would make it easier to get to the rim for Kyrie Irving and James.
3. This is a big game for LeBron James. James said the team is in a “delicate,” place after their loss to the Spurs. He needs to respect his own words and lead by example, whether it’s keeping the ball moving or stopping the ball in transition.

I’m not sure the Cavs will right the ship tonight. I’m picking the Bulls, 114-104.

Kyle Korver will miss the game because of a sore foot.