Lue on struggling defense: 'Can't show our hand' before playoffs

The Cleveland Cavaliers boast the second-worst defense since the All-Star break, but they're going to remain patient.

After allowing 127 points at home to the Washington Wizards on Saturday, Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue stressed the importance of keeping a balance between fixing problems in the regular season and keeping surprises for the playoffs.

"We've got to hold back," Lue explained to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. "We can't show our hand early because ... these are some good teams and we don't want them to be able to come into a series and be able to adjust to what we do."

"We just have to be able to play our normal defense until we get there and then we will see what happens."

It's entirely understandable that the Cavaliers would be unfazed by bumps in the regular season. The defending champs reach another gear in the playoffs that should easily see them through to the Finals. The bottom line is that Cleveland has more talent than any other team in the East.

However, Cleveland's season-long apathy towards defending might cost them the No. 1 seed. Recent losses have the Cavs clinging to a half-game edge over the Boston Celtics for tops in the East.