{"id":120097,"date":"2025-01-26T10:46:23","date_gmt":"2025-01-26T15:46:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=120097"},"modified":"2025-01-26T10:46:23","modified_gmt":"2025-01-26T15:46:23","slug":"cavs-losing-streak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/01\/26\/cavs-losing-streak\/","title":{"rendered":"Cavs In Slump Amidst 3-Game Losing Streak"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost their third straight game, and second in a week to the Houston Rockets<\/a> on Saturday. The Cavs’ loss<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Cavs In Slump Amidst 3-Game Losing Streak<\/h2>\n

Since going a staggering 12-1<\/a> in the month of December, the Cavs have taken a step back in January, sitting at 7-5.<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Bad Defense<\/h3>\n

In January, the Cavs defense was the 28th-ranked <\/a>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.\u00a0In comparison, Cleveland boasted the third-best defensive rating<\/a> in the league in December showcasing a massive falloff.<\/p>\n

For context, Evan Mobley<\/a>, Caris LeVert<\/a>, and Isaac Okoro<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> recorded a triple-double last night versus the Cavs. Thompson tallied 30 total rebounds in both matchups against Cleveland at just 6-7.<\/p>\n

The Cavs’ injuries have forced rotation changes as well. Big man Tristan Thompson<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Trade Rumors<\/h3>\n
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The Cavaliers have expressed interest in acquiring forward Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell @joevardon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Cleveland is looking to address distinct disadvantages in size and physicality on the perimeter.<\/p>\n

Details \u2935\ufe0fhttps:\/\/t.co\/uUFRrc0jjl<\/a><\/p>\n

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) January 17, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n