The Playoff Run Starts Tonight

 

The second half of the NBA season (although only 30 games remain) starts tonight for the Cleveland Cavaliers and their All Star Game MVP, the incomparable LeBron James.  Of course, everyone has been reading how the team had the same record, 31-21, a year ago and collapsed down the stretch, missing the playoffs on the last day of the season.  That will not happen this season, and here are the reasons why:

 

1).  No drama with the head coach.  At this time last season, the Cavaliers were in the midst of turmoil with Coach Paul Silas.  This season, the players are on the same page as Mike Brown, and he continues to stress defense. 

 

2).  LeBron is better.  It seems ludicrous to suggest that James can improve, but he is a better player than he was last year.  His outside shooting has improved, and he is going to the basket more and more as the season goes on.  He is now on a pace to average 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game.  Better yet, he seems to will the team to victory on occasion, such as last Monday’s win vs. the Spurs.

 

3).  The team has more depth.  The Cavs’ have experienced players coming off the bench this year.  Last year’s squad did not have a Donyell Marshall, Alan Henderson, and even Damon Jones as reserves.  This year’s bench has improved as the season has progressed as Anderson Varajao came back to provide energy off the pines.  GM Danny Ferry may add another experienced hand before the trading deadline.

 

4).  Jeff McInnis is gone.  Even James himself alluded to McInnis’ sour attitude early this season without mentionning the moody point guard by name.  This is just one more distraction the current wine and gold does not have to deal with.

 

5).  The schedule is easier.  Last year’s 31-21 start included several wins against the expansion Charlotte Bobcats.  This year, the Cavaliers have three games left with the Pistons (two this weekend), but otherwise there are more games left against the have-nots of the NBA. 

 

Based on all these factors, the thing Cavs’ fans should look forward to the most is the chase to win 50 games this season, and whether or not Cleveland can gain the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference.  There will be no collapse this year.  Playoff basketball will return to the "Q".

 

JK