The Cleveland Cavaliers had holes on the defensive end in Game 3 against the Toronto Raptors, and Jarrett Allen explains where the team must be better.
The Cleveland Cavaliers dropped Game 3 to the Toronto Raptors for several reasons. The Wine and Gold didn’t have a great night in terms of shooting, and they turned the ball over too many times.
Perhaps the biggest area where the Cavaliers struggled, though, was their defense, specifically in the fourth quarter. Cleveland isn’t outmatched or outmanned by Toronto on the defensive end, and it showed that during Game 1 and Game 2.
In terms of where the Cavaliers can be better on the defensive end heading into Game 4, Allen said, “I think our energy.”
“I think we have our coverages down. I think we had everything in terms of the X's and O's on point, but we were just a step behind. We're letting them get ahead of us.”
Bringing the energy is easier said than done, as it’s a choice the Cavaliers have to make. It does seem like that’s something this group understands, though, because Allen, Donvaon Mitchell, and Kenny Atkinson have all talked about playing with more force on Sunday, and that ties directly into playing with more energy on the defensive end.
Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) goes to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) and forward RJ Barrett (9) during the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn ImagesOutside of just playing with more energy on the defensive end, the Cavaliers also must figure out a way to limit Toronto’s three-point attack. The Raptors shot 60 percent from behind the arc in Game 3, and it really was the difference maker in that loss for Cleveland.
Allen admitted Cleveland must be better in that area, too.
“Just being a step earlier,” explained Allen.
“We were just a lot of things that happened, we just let it slip. We were helping too much off the ball, and we were late on a lot of contests. I hate using the word, but it's gonna be force. Toronto played with a lot of force, and we need to play with more, and that helps with contesting a lot of shots.”
The Cavaliers already have a talented offensive group, and shouldn’t be concerned about that end of the floor. Game 4 will come down to Cleveland’s defense and whether or not they can take away the outside shot.
If the Cavaliers do play with more energy and tighten up on their three-point defense, then Cleveland should be in a good spot to come back home with a commanding 3-1 lead.
Cavs Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Cavs. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.