David Kenyon
Despite the team’s struggles, the Cleveland Cavaliers are widely considered the clear favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. LeBron James doesn’t feel entitled to that notion, though.
According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, James said it’s “absurd” to focus on the playoffs when the Cavaliers have so much to improve right now.
“I think we’re a good team. But I don’t think we’re a great team right now. We’ve got to continue to get better. I really think it’s absurd to think about May and June; it’s not guaranteed, man. If we continue to win and put ourselves in position and we do make the playoffs, then we give ourselves a chance.
The Cavaliers are a fascinating study at the moment. They’re certainly a good-yet-not-great team as James suggested.
During the past five weeks, Cleveland has edged the Oklahoma City Thunder, smashed the Toronto Raptors and compiled a 12-4 record.
However, three of those four losses were to the franchises considered the Cavaliers’ biggest competition for the 2015-16 NBA championship in the Golden State Warriors (twice) and San Antonio Spurs. Golden State flat-out destroyed Cleveland 132-98 on Monday night.
Additionally, the Cavs are only 5-4 against opponents currently in the top eight of the Eastern Conference standings. They’re consistently defeating the worst teams and struggling with the best.
Fortunately for them, no other East club is more than a good team. Nevertheless, the playoffs will not be easy.
The Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks are tough outs, while the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat boast stout defenses. Even the Boston Celtics could be dangerous if they add a scorer, and the Detroit Pistons have presented an intriguing case.
Cleveland’s defense — especially with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in the lineup — can be exploited. Golden State and San Antonio have proved as much. If the sport-related adage of “defense wins championships” is true, that’s why nothing is guaranteed for the Cavaliers.
And James knows it full well. The team has three months to improve, but there’s no guarantee that will happen, either.
