Cavaliers' Irving, Love looking to improve on defense

Most of the fanfare over the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster overhaul this offseason revolved around the capabilities of LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving forming the basis of an unstoppable offense.

The defense, however, was a different story.

As the season has unfolded, the Cavaliers' defensive flaws have bubbled to the surface. Through 15 games, the Cavaliers sit at just 8-7, thanks in large part to their 17th-ranked defense. The Cavaliers allowed opponents to top the century mark on eight occasions this season, including letting the Boston Celtics hang 121 in a tight one-point victory for the Cavaliers.

With team defense failing the squad, Irving and Love are looking to improve where they're weakest.

"In order for our team to win, I have to be that kind of guy on the defensive end. You can only talk about it so long. At one point it just has to be done,” Irving told Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

“I just try to stay in front of the ball as much as possible so it’s not as much pressure for other guys to help me," Irving continued.

For his part, Love is still grappling with head coach David Blatt's principles.

“I think (defense) is an area that I need to focus on and get better at,” Love said. “I think everybody has an opportunity to refine their game and get better in certain places, and for me, yeah, it could be that end of the floor.” 

“Being a lockdown defender is something that I know I’ll never be," added Love, "but as far as being a team defender, being in the right spots, being physical, doing those things, I can get a lot better at that and just continue to break down film and see where I can get better out there. So yeah, I think it’s something that I can continue to buy into and get better at.”