Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt is reportedly struggling to reach the team as they continue to show signs of inconsistency in his first year in charge.

The Cavs suffered a heavy loss to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, with the home crowd booing the players off the court after the game.

Blatt conceded that the team 'lost their energy and lost their competitiveness" as the game went on, and their defense has consistently been criticised in particular.

However, the rookie NBA coach was adamant that he still had the team's attention despite suggestions that the players were not following his orders.

"Absolutely I do," Blatt told reporters.

"We just didn't play well [Sunday]. I don't think it was an issue outside of that. A couple games ago we were [17-10]. I know some other pretty good teams in the NBA that didn't have that record."

LeBron James denied that there were any issues between the coach and the players but he did concede that they are "not a very good team" after the defeat to the Pistons.