The Cavs have surprised everyone and not just by the fact that they’re 6th in the East with a winning record of 13-10 but also because of their lineup which at first look seems unconventional to say the least but it also make it much harder for teams to score against them. Starting Evan Mobley, Lauri Markkanen and Jarrett Allen who are all 7-footers seems like a bizarre experiment with no intention of obtaining results, but this trio has proved that they can shut teams down defensively and the stats only reinforce this. The Cavs are Top 3 in Defensive Rating (105), 2nd in Opp PTS/G (101.7) and Top 10 in Offensive Rebounds per Game. They are also 8th in NRtg (Net Rating) and 6th in Offensive Rebounding % (24.1%). All 3 of their 7-footers crash the boards which makes it hard for opposing teams to grab the offensive rebound.

While Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are the best defenders on this team, the defensive scheme of the Cavs is more of a team effort than anything. Darius Garland and Isaac Okoro put great pressure on the ball around the perimeter forcing teams to take the ball inside where you have rim protectors like Mobley and Allen waiting to block shots and force turnovers. Both, Mobley and Allen, are more than capable of switching on the smaller guards on the perimeter preventing 3’s especially the step-back.

While the Cavs defense has been one of the best in the NBA, their offense has been in the bottom 10 of the league. One of the main reasons for their struggles in the lack of shooting. Their Post Centric game leads to clogging of the paint making it easier to defend the Cavs and while Evan Mobley has shown glimpses of a jump shot, it is still a work-in-progress.

The Cavs have a ROTY candidate in Evan Mobley and a top defensive team which can make a push for the playoffs this season but with more shooters and player development the Cavs have the potential to be real contenders in the NBA.