9 Takeaways from Cavs humiliating 127-113 loss to Lakers: Cavaliers can’t win with this defense
The Cavs are running out of time to fix their defensive issues.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 31: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half at Crypto. com Arena on March 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images Tuesday’s game was the Cleveland Cavaliers ’ first chance to showcase their probable playoff starting five this season. And if this game was any indication, that group has some work to do. The Los Angeles Lakers completely ran them out of the building, defeating them 127-113 in a game that wasn’t nearly as close as the 14-point margin would have you believe.
The starting five of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen looked rough . The Cavs were outscored by nine points in the 13 minutes the starters played. They were awful defensively ( 135.
7 defensive rating ) and weren’t able to make up for those shortcomings on the other end. The offense felt stagnant with the two bigs. The guards tried to force the ball inside.
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