In a surprise development that few people saw coming, the Cleveland Cavaliers have become one of the most exhilarating, promising teams in the NBA.
Even a few months ago, not many expected the Cavs to be in fine form and playoff contention but they are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 18-12.
They are an underdog team that is playing with grit, determination, and seemingly no fear against teams much bigger and stronger than them.
Some people are wondering what their limit is – do they actually have a chance at making a Finals run this year?
While it’s possible, it’s not likely that the Cavs will go all the way this year, but don’t be shocked when they are there soon.
Competition Is Tough
There are so many things going right with the Cavs: rookie Evan Mobley is lighting it up night after night, Darius Garland is having a career year, and bench talent and role players like Cedi Osman are getting into the mix and making their voices heard too.
The team has eight players who are averaging double-digit point totals, with Garland leading the way at 19 a game.
The Cavs are 16-12. They might have 2 All-Stars and the ROTY this season.
Garland:
— 19 PPG, 7 APG
— 47/38/89%Allen:
— 17 PPG, 11 RPG
— 71 FG%
— On pace for 15/10 on 70% season everMobley:
— 14 PPG, 8 RPG, 2 BPG
— Leads rookies in REB and BLK
— 2nd among rookies in TS% pic.twitter.com/lW1SO0yYDy— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 12, 2021
They are definitely playing better than they have in years but you have to remember who they would be battling against to make it through the Eastern Conference.
The Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, and reigning champs Milwaukee Bucks will stop at nothing to put the Cavs down.
These other teams might not have the same fighting spirit but they definitely have the skill and, more importantly, experience.
A fresh, up-and-coming team like the Cavs often does wonders during the regular season but then falls apart during the postseason.
It is said that a team needs experience to make it to the Finals, and it’s rare that a squad goes all the way when most of their roster is so young.
Of course, there are exceptions to that rule, and perhaps the Cavaliers are one of them but in all likelihood, they aren’t quite ready to win a championship trophy yet.
However, that doesn’t mean they won’t be a strong presence for the rest of the season and perhaps will shake things up in the playoffs.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see them take down a higher seed or go much further than people expect.
These guys continually over-perform and they might do it again.
It’ll Take A Few Years
While the Cavs are functioning magnificently this year, the real question is how will they do next year.
Next season, they will have more experience and more time spent playing side-by-side.
Plus, now that they are such an attractive and wildly exciting team, they may snag some A-list talent soon, someone like Ben Simmons perhaps.
The Knicks, Lakers, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Kings, Pacers and Cavaliers are among the teams interested in Ben Simmons, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/uXEhbOxRMU
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) December 13, 2021
Yes, they might become a destination for an All-Star if they continue to impress so much.
The next few months will be critical for the Cavaliers.
While the chances of them winning the Finals might be slim, they could continue this Cinderella story and head into next season as one of the most dominant, thrilling teams in the league.
The Cavs have three players at 6′ 10″‘ or taller, plus another 2-3 players at 6″8, Plus a couple more at 6’6″” and their 6″5″ inch guy defends against taller players because he is good at it.
Why are you saying other teams are bigger and stronger? Ok, several Cavs players have to still fill out, but they are not smaller, they are taller, athletic, and more slender. But beware, they do have Taco Fall in case you mess with their younger playerss.