Cavaliers hope their solid defensive efforts continue during their visit to the Rockets.

[{"selector":"#anim-e766b450-5e5f-407d-ba58-cdecc194637b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Donovan Mitchell, a five-time All-Star guard, returned to Cleveland's lineup on Wednesday in New Orleans.

And, given how inconsistently they performed during Mitchell's seven-game injury layoff, the Cavaliers were relieved to have him back and contributing as they prepare to face the Houston Rockets

[{"selector":"#anim-24f6dfd3-1bd6-4581-adb6-c06ae44a382b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] But what stood out for the Cavaliers (42-24) in their 116-95 win against the Pelicans was yet another suffocating defensive performance, despite Cleveland still missing starters Evan

[{"selector":"#anim-0a09bd39-c96c-4e27-80c8-5bd7438d6de9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Mobley (ankle), Max Strus (knee), and reserve Dean Wade (personal).

[{"selector":"#anim-63e4e600-3e23-4b8e-bef2-4cea9ddbf557 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-18.029784902539063%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The Cavaliers entered Friday third in the NBA with a 110.8 defensive rating, and despite their squad being depleted by injury

[{"selector":"#anim-aa846aa1-2710-4ad0-b63f-c48817ebcc79 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Pelicans to a 46.3 effective field goal percentage while recording four steals.

[{"selector":"#anim-eba792a6-ff3b-41cd-8f8a-4c843be4c208 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-35.234374910402764%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Mitchell, as expected, was rusty, missing 11 of 16 shots despite scoring 14 points and dishing five assists.

[{"selector":"#anim-7809b438-17aa-497a-8cc2-4dacea509125 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] But the Cavaliers, who are presently third in the Eastern Conference standings, were locked in defensively, garnering high praise from coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who described his defence as "elite".

Cavaliers hope their solid defensive efforts continue during their visit to the Rockets.

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