There is no question the Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled starting this season. They’ve lost games to several of the NBA’s supposed also ran, losing at home to Atlanta, New York, and Indiana.
But just maybe, things are starting to turnaround just a bit as the wine and gold took three out of four on the road, losing only to Houston in the opening game. That game was close at the end too, as the Cavs had a chance to win.
Yes, the defense could be better, but Tyronn Lue’s team does seem to be able to play at that end of the floor in spurts, such as the fourth quarter in New York on Monday, and in the second half last night in Charlotte.
With three of the next four and four of the next six at Quicken Loans Arena, it would be a good time to start playing better at home and in turn start climbing up the Eastern Conference standings.
Want another sign the Cavs aren’t as bad off as many in the national media think? Cleveland has won 5 road games this season, and only Boston and Houston (both 7-1) have won more.
You don’t find many bad teams having success on the road.
On the other hand, good teams win games in blowout fashion, and right now the Cavaliers are just 1-4 in games decided by 10 points or more, their win in Milwaukee in the second game of the season being the lone triumph.
They have also been outscored on the season, another sign of a mediocre team. However, remember Cleveland has played the entire season without Isaiah Thomas, a legitimate 20 points per game scorer, and their best interior defender in Tristan Thompson for most of the schedule.
There will be a period of adjustment when those players return, obviously, but it’s tough to get a good read on this team until they do.
And we say this every year, but we wish the media and fans alike would stop comparing the Cavs to the Golden State Warriors.
First, the Warriors top four players are the same as last year. Second, most of the games they play their opponents are mesmerized by their style of play and that creates an advantage right from the opening tip.
Also, why should anybody care? The wine and gold play just two games in the regular season against Golden State, and after that, they won’t see them in the playoffs until the NBA Finals if both teams get to that point.
To compare the Cavs start to the Warriors’ start is an exercise in frustration. Really, the only thing to be watching right now is how this pretty much new group of players is gelling, and what team in the East may pose a threat to Lue’s squad.
And don’t forget the Cavaliers have made deals during the season in each of the last three seasons to shore up a weakness. Why wouldn’t you think the same thing will happen this season.
Hopefully, losing to the dregs of the NBA on a regular basis is done, and the momentum gained on this trip will continue. At the very least, people can breathe a little easier about the Cavs.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 