Another Double-Digit Loss For Cavaliers

Four of the Cleveland Cavaliers' last five losses have been by 10 points or more.

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ biggest competition at the moment isn’t one specific team. There’s also not one individual player who’s giving them more trouble than another. Right now, Cleveland’s biggest rival is themselves.

The Cavs lost their third of the last four games on Saturday as the Los Angeles Lakers had no issue with taking down the Wine and Gold, 97-116. The most concerning part about this is the number of double-digit losses Cleveland has accumulated over the last few weeks. 

Including the loss to the Lakers, Cleveland’s last five losses have been by 10 or more points. The other teams in that stretch are the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers. 

One of the biggest concerns in this stretch hasn’t been the offense, but rather the defense. The Lakers shot 56 percent (45-80) from the field and 43 percent (16-37) from behind the arc with their offensive rating coming out to 114.8.

Apr 6, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) forward Evan Mobley (4) and guard Darius Garland (10) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

D’Angelo Russell specifically made Cleveland's defense pay as he finished with a game-high 28 points. LeBron James also finished with 24 points and Anthony Davis dropped 22. 

The Cavs started the game off fairly strong and they were only down nine points heading into halftime.. However, they couldn't make the necessary adjustment and a lackluster third quarter for Cleveland is what really separated these two teams.

The Cavaliers have just four games left before the playoffs start. Double-digit losses such as this one are just unacceptable at this point in the season. The Cavs need to come off with a solution to this funk or they’ll be looking at another early playoff exit.