CLEVELAND, Ohio — There is a specific blueprint to beat the Cavs — and the Portland Trail Blazers followed it to a T.
Cleveland opened its three-game homestand with a 122-110 loss. For the Cavs, it’s their fourth defeat in the last five games — the latest setback to expose all of the team’s flaws.
Prior to the game, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson admitted Portland is the type of opponent that has given Cleveland problems all season.
Speed. Length. Athleticism. Activity. Hunger.
For most of the night, the Cavs couldn’t contain dribble-drives at the point of attack. They fouled repeatedly. Couldn’t keep the Blazers out of the paint. Failed to get back in transition. Gave up numerous second-chance opportunities.
At one point in the third quarter, as the Blazers increased their advantage to a game-high 18 points, boos started pouring down on the Cavaliers.
By the end of the third, Cleveland, which takes pride in its defense, had given up nearly 100 points, answerless against a team that entered the night with just eight wins on the season and was missing an important piece (Jrue Holiday).
The Cavs made it close in the fourth quarter, cranking up the intensity and making Portland look uncomfortable on the offensive end. They cut the lead to five with 2:37 left, giving fans a modicum of hope.
Too late.
The Blazers answered every push, including that one, scoring seven of the next nine.
Cavs star guard Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 33 points. Evan Mobley added 23 points and 10 rebounds while Jaylon Tyson finished with 14.
The Blazers had six players in double figures. Three with at least 20 points — Deni Avdija (27), Shaedon Sharpe (20) and Caleb Love (20).
Cleveland was once again without four rotational players — Sam Merrill (right hand sprain), Jarrett Allen (strained right finger), Larry Nance Jr. (calf strain) and Max Strus (foot surgery). Those absences continue to be felt during this rough stretch.
But no excuses.
Following Sunday’s halfhearted effort against the wounded Celtics, multiple Cavaliers discussed the need to play with more hunger and effort.
That lasted one night.
Out-played. Out-hustled. Out-toughed. Again.
It’s becoming a nasty trend.
**Up next**
The Cavs will continue their homestand against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.