Shoddy defense has been the reason most often given for the Cavaliers' ills this season.

The Cavs have many concerns right now: lack of a point guard, shooting guards who can't shoot and issues with the rotation, to name a few.

Forward Drew Gooden said the blame for the Cavs' rocky 14-17 start is more about intestinal fortitude.

"It's more than just defense," Gooden said after practice Tuesday evening at Cleveland Clinic Courts. "The key word is fighting. We fought against Miami (on Christmas Day), and I think that's carried over in the last two games. Even though the last game we played in New Orleans didn't work out for us, we fought. That has fueled our defense."