Break gives Cavs time to analyze flaws

The Cavaliers have been one of the league's most underperforming teams, and a 14-11 start has left them on edge. "It's like being down 2-1 in a playoff series," Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said Wednesday at Cleveland Clinic Courts. "It doesn't feel good." Cleveland is in the midst of a five-day stretch of no games. The Cavs will get back in action Friday in Washington when they enter one of the easier portions of their schedule. "It's given the coaches some time to deep dive and get better," Atkinson said. "We had a great film session. We had a real, legit practice. We've had multiple days to focus on our defense. "How are we going to respond? It's an important stretch to see how we react to our struggles." When the Cavs get back on the court Friday, center Jarrett Allen will likely be in the starting lineup. He's missed eight of the last nine games with a strained middle finger on his right hand. Atkinson said Allen was a full participant in practice Tuesday and looked good. The Cavs need his defense, rebounding and size around the basket. Shooting guard Sam Merill remains out with a sprained right hand. "He's frustrated," Atkinson said. "We're frustrated. It's just a slow healing process. It hasn't gotten worse. The swelling is decreasing. The fact is he's still not able to shoot or catch. We're focusing on conditioning. He's frustrated this thing is not healing quicker." Merrill, whose 3-point shooting and on-the-ball defense have been sorely missed, has been sidelined for the last 10 games. During the Cavs' 64-win season last winter, they grabbed the No. 1 seed in the first game and never let go of it. They are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference. "We are a very competitive team," Atkinson said. "Right now, we have slippage. This stretch (of games) is important for us. We need to reexamine what our identity is." The Cavs also hosted a player-led meeting and had a long film session. Their lack of intensity, energy and competitiveness was the main topic, and players said it had a training-camp vibe. "It's really our energy, whether we're making shots or not," forward De'Andre Hunter said. "(Atkinson) called us out. He broke down exactly what we needed to do. We're not happy where we are. We have to take accountability for our own actions. It's hard to deny it." Poor defensive rebounding also was addressed. "It's something we've had issues with all season," Hunter said. "We have a chance to right that." The Cavs are using the Indiana Pacers as an example of what can happen in an 82-game season. They were barely over .500 at the quarter point last season before catching fire and advancing to the NBA Finals. "It's important to have that historical perspective so you don't panic or overreact," Atkinson said. "With this reset, we're emphasizing our principles, getting back to our identity." Cavs backup center Thomas Bryant, a member of last season's Pacers, said he sees similarities in the teams. He added Cleveland must buckle down on defensive concepts to get where it wants to go. "We know the offense will flow," he said. "The defense is something that will keep us in the games. We have to get our enthusiasm back. It's a long season. It's a grueling season. We have to figure things out on the fly." Contact Bob Finnan at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.