INDIANAPOLIS — The Cavaliers began working on a 3-2 zone that became a “break glass in case of emergency” type defensive scheme, only to be broken out when absolutely needed.
That time arose during Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers. It played a key role in turning the tide of at least Game 3, and potentially the series, if the Cavaliers can keep the momentum going after their 124-106 win that trimmed the Pacers’ series lead to 2-1.
In the first quarter of Game 3, the Cavs built and lost a 15-point lead, as the Pacers finished the quarter on a 22-7 run. It appeared as though Game 3 might be trending toward a 3-0 Pacers lead in the series.
That’s when Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson switched to a 3-2 zone in the second quarter, a defensive system Cleveland hasn’t really utilized. The Cavs then out-scored the Pacers 34-13 in that quarter and cruised from there.
“We’ve been playing man this whole entire series and I don’t think they expected it,” said Evan Mobley. “And that’s also a defense we haven’t really ran that stuff that much. I feel that threw them off. They had to adjust and see where they could score from and by the time they adjusted, it was already pretty late.”
The Cavs spent two games chasing after the Pacers and their five-out offense that relies on pace, spacing and ball movement. Atkinson put perhaps his best stamp on this series by calling for the change.
“Our guys were comfortable with [the defense] we’ve been playing, but after watching a lot of film, we decided we can’t play our traditional zone against them,” Atkinson said. “We had to kind of match their five-out stuff.”
Evan Mobley is the key to Cavaliers’ 3-2 zone vs Pacers
The 3-2 zone — when the Cavs have been in zone, it’s often been the reverse, a 2-3 — puts more pressure on the perimeter, something the Cavs stressed as they tried to deny Tyrese Haliburton the ball at every turn. There are several important pieces to making it work, including Sam Merrill, who the Cavs will tell you is criminally underrated on the defensive side of the ball.
But perhaps the key: Mobley’s return to the floor as the Defensive Player of the Year. With Mobley, De’Andre Hunter and Darius Garland all returning for Game 3, it made the implementation of — and sudden change to — a 3-2 zone more plausible.
Mobley, with his elite combination of size, athleticism and defensive instincts, allows that type of defense to work. And in Game 3, the Pacers had no answer for it.
“He’s seven foot with long arms and moves really well,” said Dean Wade. “If you start your offense at the top of the key, it’s going to be tough for you. Then when you get on the sideline, he shuts off half the court. So having that length and a person that can do everything he can do defensively, it’s awesome. You put him up there, you can’t see anything on the court after that.”
And with that decision, the Cavaliers are alive and well in the series.
