It is difficult to tell what is adding up quicker for the Cleveland Cavaliers, victories or injuries. In all seriousness, the wine and gold are on another winning streak, picking up their 9th straight victory in New Jersey last night. The Cavs came off a three game streak on the road to go to a period of playing eight of the next nine at home. Since they are 32-1 at The Q this season, you could figure a long winning skein was on the horizon.
This team has now tied the franchise’s all time record for victories in a season with 57 triumphs, and they will likely surpass that mark on Wednesday night when the Nets visit Cleveland. And they still have 12 games remaining in the season. They have a huge leg up on having the best record in the Eastern Conference with a 4-1/2 game lead with a dozen to play, and the lead the Lakers by one game for the best record in the entire league.
The national media keeps talking about the injury to Andrew Bynum of the Lakers and how it impacts that team. They talk about Kevin Garnett’s injury and how it affects the Celtics. Boo hoo! The Cavaliers have been banged up all season long, and they just keep winning. That’s probably why it’s not discussed; the injuries have not caused any let up in the Cavs’ focus to win.
The only negative I can find with this team right now, is that they might have an adjustment period when Ben Wallace and Wally Szczerbiak get back from their injuries. Hopefully, they will return to the lineup with a week or two remaining in the schedule so any upset to the rotation will occur before the playoffs start.
Another decision Mike Brown faces is whether or not to return Wallace to the starting lineup when he does come back from his broken leg. Anderson Varajao has played great as a starter, and he struggled when he went back to the bench after Zydrunas Ilgauskas came back from his ankle injury. The Brazilian seemed to be feeling his way around when coming off the pines at that point.
My guess is Wallace will be put back into the starting lineup because of the Cavs’ overwhelming success this season, but his game would be perfect for a reserve role. He’s an energy guy, who plays great defense at this point in his career. He doesn’t block as many shots as he used to, but he still positions himself well on the defensive end, and bodies up well on opposing big men.
I thought the Cavs would be a title contender this season after getting Mo Williams, but I didn’t think they would be this good. The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to win 65 games this season. Think about that, they will finish the year with something like a 65-17 record. It’s been a special basketball season for the wine and gold, and something tells me the fun is just beginning.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 