Since the final buzzer of the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, there has been an atmosphere of frustration and despair looming Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. But will the Cleveland Cavaliers turn that gloom into motivation this season, or will they crumble once again? While neither is clear, their results so far yield a promising look at a successful playoff run this season.
Last season, the Cavs ended up with a record of 64-8 with two extremely long winning streaks, one at 15 games and the other 16 games. Their dominant record led them to finish first in the Eastern Conference, but they still missed out on the Eastern Conference Championship. While the season was filled with an undoubtful buzz of an anticipated NBA final appearance, that wasn’t the case.
Regardless of their end last year, this season has almost all players returning, which gives the team another shot at taking Cleveland to a championship appearance. What made the Cavs so good during their regular season last year was their team chemistry. The team is most notably led by guard Donovan Mitchell, but that’s not to say the other players are bad as it is filled with Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allan.
This year, Donovan Mitchell is taking the cake for most points, assists and steals as he is averaging 30.5 points per game, 5.5 points per game and 1.4 steals. Mitchell led the team in points last year and ended up with an average of 29.6 points in the post season as well. Among many awards Mitchell was honored with last year, he most notably became the third player in Cavs franchise history to be named to the All-NBA first team. While he is currently on a promising track, his grand season last year leaves fans with many high expectations for Mitchell to live up to.
Another stand out player from last year is center Evan Mobley, who is adding to the statistics this year. Mobley falls just behind Mitchell in points, he is currently averaging 18.9 a game. He is also leading the team in rebounds and blocks. Contributing to his success most clearly is his height as he towers at 6 ’11”, leading the time in height by at least 2 inches from anyone else.
A few recent additions to the team this year also add to the potential this season holds. These include guard Lonzo Ball, guard Tyrese Proctor and forward Larry Nance Jr. The team acquired Ball from a trade between the Chicago Bulls for Isaac Okoro. Proctor was added as the team’s draft pick who adds a young perspective to the game. Nance Jr. was picked up as a free agent and previously spent the 2018 to 2021 seasons with the Cavs. Nance Jr., who got his start near Hudson growing up in Revere, adds veteran leadership and Cleveland passion to the team.
Currently the team has a record of 14-11, last season on the other hand, the team started off 21-4. This statistic is not one to get particularly hung up on, as the team is only 25 games into their 82 game season, but it is one to consider. This start leaves the team in the middle of the road in the Eastern Conference, with much room to fluctuate up or down with the continuation of the season. The team remains 5 games away from holding the 1st place position.
So far, the team had its most notable game recently at the start of December. On December 5th, the team beat the San Antonio Spurs after losing 4 of their last 5 games. The win showed the team’s diversity with seven players on the team earning more than 10 points. It also demonstrated that the team had the determination to overcome a loss streak and not to count them out. Before the game, there were many speculations that the team was not going to live up to expectations, it’s still unclear if that is true, but the Cavs believe it isn’t, and clapped back with a win.
Nonetheless, the Cavaliers do need to step up their game. They have many odds in their favor, and all the tools they need to be successful. After last year’s season, there should be no excuse for the team not to go far as, on top of many returning players, they have many talented additions. Currently, the Cavs 14-11 start to the season shows improvement is needed. But despite any record the Cavaliers have, Cleveland sports are truly known for their last-minute comebacks, and this year’s Cleveland Guardians are the perfect example. It was the largest comeback in MLB history as they were 15.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers in the division, but after a few crucial wins and a 19-game win streak, the team conquered first place in the division.
While the rest of the season is up in the air, the Cleveland Cavaliers clearly have a shot at making it far in the post season, but to achieve an Eastern Conference championship win, the team will need to lock down on their strengths and team chemistry. Over the years, Cleveland has earned the nickname, “Beliveland,” and with their start so far it is important for the team and fans to honor this name by keeping a strong faith for the rest of the season. To go far, Cleveland must build a winning culture.
