From “Cavalanche” to “Cava-llapse”: What happened to the Cavaliers We Know?

Lifeless. Inconsistent. Disjointed.

These are a few words that one would use to describe the 2025 Cavaliers. Between the unacceptable losing streaks, let-downs just about every night at home, it seems like this team is cosplaying as the NBA’s version of the Browns. 

So, what exactly is going wrong...?

Where is the Energy?

Cleveland sports teams, despite their performances, have almost always been high-energy. The Cavs were no different. This is a young team and a talented one at that. From postgame antics to even just an overall presence on and off the court, this team is lacking in something that historically has always been one of the best parts of the season. But this season, the air in Rocket Arena, and you can feel it in the stands. The consistent shortcomings on the court have started to bleed into the seats. The coaches need to take charge. Whether it be changes to practice, to film sessions, to game plans, or management. Something needs to change, not just with them but with the players as well. The spark must come back, and with a team so young, they thrive in that energy just as they’ve fallen due to the lack thereof.

Where’s the Defense and Offense?

One of the Cavs' most valued aspects has been their defense and their reliance on their big guys (Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley). It’s what’s given them success these last couple of years. With negative differentials in both blocks and turnovers, this team can do anything but stop their opponents from scoring, something that is glaringly obvious from the box score alone. Their defensive guys can’t get a stop, and now, suddenly, a 20-point lead at the half is a 30-point deficit in the 4th. On the other side of the coin, other than Donovan Mitchell, there isn’t a player on this team worth watching. The Cavaliers rank 1st in the NBA in field goals attempted and are 11th in field goals made. Granted credit where credit is due, as they rank top 3 in three-point shots made and attempted (largely in part to Mitchell), but that is because every game is a shootout. It doesn’t matter if it’s a 9-20 Hornets team or a 12-17 Trailblazers team. 

Every game it is the same script.

There’s a competitive first half, then the Cavs fall apart in the third, and Donovan Mitchell must come to the rescue. They have to simplify things both offensively and defensively. Play fast and play smart. There is so much talent on the roster at both sides of the ball. They just need to lean into that talent.

Injuries:

One of the more excusable issues, as this has been the Cavs' year for the bug. However, in a sport where team chemistry is key, inconsistencies in the lineup and what the coaches are asking of their guys have led to obvious on-court failures. Both in execution and results. It’s like every night the stars are thrown into a hat and drawn up at random. These everyday changes have caused more than their fair share of miscommunications and misplays, both at a high and fundamental level. Stability is key. In any sport. At any position. And the lack of such for the Cavs, while it isn’t the only problem, it sure is the greatest. 

Bottom Line:

At the end of the day, the Cavaliers are lost. Both in identity and in purpose. Misaligned from a defensive and offensive perspective. However, their ceiling is high, and fans can hold out hope that maybe they can turn this season around. With that being said, change needs to come sooner rather than later if there is going to be any hope to improve upon last season’s success.