Are we really debating that the 109 DRTG post all-star Cavs are better defensively 109.8 DTRG pre all-star break Cavs?
Especially given their post all-star game strength of schedule was on the easy side and most of the teams that fell behind them were tanking?
After a 7 game series when they had a 111 DRTG overall? Everything the Cavs have done this entire season has indicated an awful defensive team. What success they did have against Indiana was predicated on a "junk" trapping defense that a NBA "should" shred.
Are we really debating that the 109 DRTG post all-star Cavs are better defensively 109.8 DTRG pre all-star break Cavs?
Especially given their post all-star game strength of schedule was on the easy side and most of the teams that fell behind them were tanking?
Yes, because people are ignoring the context of Moranis' argument. Do we really think the Cavs gave the same level of effort late in the season compared to this playoff series?
Are the Cavs a good defensive team? Absolutely not. Is their poor defense the reason this series went 7 games? I say no.
The Cavs struggling offense gave away 4 additional points off of turnovers compared to the regular season. Cleveland was a top 10 team in lowest turnover percentage during the season. Their playoff turnover percentage of 15.7% would have ranked them as the 2nd most turnover prone team in the entire NBA.
It gets even worse when you look at transition scoring. Cleveland only scored on 40% of their transition opportunities. This would rank as easily the WORST in the NBA. They were top 10 in this category during the regular season.
I am NOT implying that the Cavs are a good defensive basketball team. They are a below average unit but still not as bad as their terrible regular season numbers suggest. This series went 7 games because of poor offensive execution.