When asked what the biggest issue with the defense was, Atkinson again did not mince words. “The compete level, and then along with the compete level there’s an IQ level,” he said. “When the playoffs come, we lean on that, who can guard their position, who is going to be a high-level defensive player. It’s there.”On the flip side, the Cavs have been one of the best offensive teams in the league over the last month plus. Getting Allen back will certainly help, but without a collective mindset to be more defensive-focused, it might not matter too much.

Source: New York Times March 25, 2026 16:13 UTC