It’s a bit too early to tell, but it’s still something that should be taken into consideration – the Cleveland Cavaliers may have finally started to look as title contenders. It’s not only the fact they are in the midst of a 10-game winning streak at the moment – it’s how they have played throughout it. This winning streak coincided with LeBron James’ return from a knee injury and since then the King has looked more like himself than in the start of the season. Nevertheless, it’s not only his fault that the Cavs are in such good form – both Kevin Love and Kyrie have seem to have finally adjusted to their roles on the team and the chemistry is steadily improving.
I suppose that almost every fan of the NBA remembers how bad Cleveland’s defense was in almost the whole first half of the season – well, things change. After the arrival of Timofey Mozgov and James’ return to full health, the Cavaliers have been able to get stops when they need them and limit their last seven opponents to only 93.3 points per game. “Our offense is not necessarily dictating our defense,” Irving said, “It’s the other way around. That’s the way it has to be, especially if we want to win ballgames. Our defensive intensity is keeping us ahead or within reach of teams, and we close out the game.”
Nevertheless, it’s not only the improved defense that has turned things around for the Cavs – the team’s offense has been extraordinarily good – 114.9 points per 100 possessions from 15th to 30th January, which is the second-highest mark around the league for the period. James, Irving, Love and the rest of the squad have finally found a way to work together and increase the efficiency of the team’s attack. Moreover, David Blatt should receive the credit he deserves for finding the way motivate his team to play they do, even though the rumors of him being fired are constantly circulating the media.
Simply said, the Cleveland Cavaliers have just been different since James’s return – they have been fun to watch and they have finally grown into a team. They are playing for one another and the results are continuing to come. Mozgov and Shumpert have provided the defensive boost, while J.R. Smith has been the catch-and-shoot guy the Cavs offense needed so desperately. It will be even more interesting to watch the Cavs as the season goes on and I, personally, can’t wait for the Playoffs to come.
NBA News: The Cavaliers finally found their groove
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