The Cavaliers got the message. And they acted.
After years of quiet concern and a very public scare, the Cavs have modified their home floor at Rocket Arena, installing temporary extensions along the sidelines and baselines to eliminate the drop-off that has long made players uneasy, per Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
The change came to light Wednesday, when Cleveland returned home for the first time since Lakers star Luka Doncic stepped backward after a corner three, fell off the raised court, and injured his ankle.
As Vardon reported, the Cavs’ court sits roughly 10 inches above the rubber mats that cover the hockey rink below, resting on wooden risers similar to box springs.
What fans saw Wednesday was not subtle. Platform extenders were installed flush to the edges of the court, removing the gap where the drop-off had been.
A Cavs spokesperson confirmed the installation, calling it a temporary fix made in collaboration with the NBA, the players’ union, and independent flooring experts.
A permanent solution is expected before next season.
The raised floor has been a recurring point of concern around the league. Vardon noted that the Lakers, the Heat, and the players’ union have all raised objections over the past three seasons. Cleveland’s court is the only one of its kind in the NBA.
There has been one major injury tied directly to the gap. In 2023, Dru Smith landed awkwardly in the same area and suffered a severe ACL sprain that ended his season. Beyond that, the Cavs point to roughly 1,300 regular-season games at the arena over more than 30 years with no similar incidents.
Still, perception matters. And so does player safety.
An NBA spokesperson told The Athletic that the league deferred comment to the Cavs, noting the temporary fix was driven primarily by the team.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
