INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- There are but two simple rules for the Defensive-Minded Cavaliers, the new-look squad that debuts Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns at The Q.

1. There is now only one way to play defense. No more multiple approaches and varied schemes. One way to fight through screens, one way to defend pick and rolls. One way.

2. If you somehow manage to forget that single way to play defense, start eyeing which seat on the bench you'd like to occupy.

"If you make a mistake by not getting up and doing what you're supposed to do, next dead ball, come to the bench," coach Byron Scott said Tuesday. "Cause you're coming out."

Gone are the days when Scott forgave defensive lapses because of the handy excuses of a young team learning a new system. In 40 games, one shy of the midway point of the season, that's resulted in a defense that gives up 104.9 points per game (fifth-worst in the NBA) and allows opponents to shoot 48.1 percent (third-worst) and 43.3 percent from 3-point range (flat-out worst).

Not to mention 13 straight losses and 23 defeats in the last 24.

Something needs to change, Scott realized after returning from a winless five-game road trip. He turned to "defensive coordinator" assistant coach Chris Jent and asked for a simplification of the defense.

What they came up with was a stripped-down version of what they've taught since training camp. Typically, Scott has employed three ways to defend pick and rolls -- much easier than former coach Mike Brown's multiple options. Scott has called out which defense the team should employ when they travel up and down the court. He's had different rules for different players, both on the offensive and defensive sides. Now?

Cavaliers vs. Phoenix Suns

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"If someone messes up, it's very simple to figure out who it is and bring him to the sideline for a little while," Scott said.

Not only will the Cavaliers simplify everything, they're hoping to perfect what they do. It won't take long for opponents to figure out how the Cavaliers' defense works, but Scott is employing a zero-tolerance rule to anyone who doesn't follow his scheme.

"I've given them leeway because of us learning the new system and the two or three different things we try to do, especially on pick and rolls," Scott said. "Well, now the leeway is gone."

So much of the early part of the season has focused on the Cavaliers learning Scott's new Princeton offense, but for the remainder of the games, the young players will be commanded to focus on defense.

"I'm not worried about the offense," Scott said. "Really, I'm not. There's some times when we've still got to do a better job of spacing the floor, we still have to do a better job of reading certain plays. But we've got to do a much better job on the defensive end, period."

Injury update: There were signs of improvement Tuesday. Joey Graham (right quad strain) and Anthony Parker (low back strain) both practiced, but neither is expected to play against Phoenix. Daniel Gibson (left ankle sprain) successfully practiced for a second day, and is expected to play.

Christian Eyenga (right ankle sprain), meanwhile, experienced swelling in his ankle a day after practicing, and suffered a setback that likely will keep him out of action until next week.

Mo Williams (left hip flexor strain) did not practice and is listed as questionable. His injury still is being evaluated, but he is not expected to play against Phoenix.

In celebration: The Cavaliers' seventh-annual Black Heritage Celebration begins Wednesday, and continues for three games in February. At the Phoenix game, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Night, there will be a video of King's "I Have a Dream" speech from Cavaliers players, and a halftime gospel performance by The Pastor's Choir of 4REAL Empowerment Center.