Can you believe that the Cleveland Cavaliers are now the third seed in the East with a record of 30-19?
For the first time in many years, the Cavs have a legitimate chance at making it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
In fact, some people – even NBA superstars – even predict they could make it to the NBA Finals.
Are the Cleveland Cavaliers back? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/sG7mvJvGp8
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 27, 2022
They have come a long way from the miserable bottom of the rankings just a couple of seasons ago – and the highs of playing with LeBron James a season before that.
James left a huge hole when he made his way west to the Los Angeles Lakers.
No one doubted the Cavaliers were about to go through a troubled, rough period.
But now they’re back and in great form – all without the help of King James.
What is it that is making this team so competitive and promising?
What A Roster
One of the most amazing things about the Cavaliers is that they have risen through the ranks and become such a powerhouse naturally and organically.
They haven’t relied on crazy blockbuster trades to get where they are – they are the furthest thing from a “super team.”
Yet, they are putting other super teams to shame.
The roster is loaded with talent and each player on it is having an incredible season.
Jarrett Allen is achieving an incredible 11 rebounds a game, Darius Garland is nearly breaking 20 points every night, Kevin Love has come alive again, and others like Lauri Markkanen and Cedi Osman have also shown multiple moments of brilliance.
🏀 FINAL SCORE THREAD 🏀
Kevin Love leads the way with 25 PTS, 9 REB and 5 3PM as the @cavs win their third-straight!
Cedi Osman: 23 PTS, 6 3PM
Darius Garland: 19 PTS, 8 AST
Evan Mobley: 16 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 26 PTS, 9 REB pic.twitter.com/mwzi1KbciK— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2022
Everyone is playing with desire and enthusiasm and a strong dedication to making the team as great as possible.
While he might not be making the most points, it cannot be denied that the team’s amazing rookie is causing the most excitement with the team.
Mobley Becomes Major
Evan Mobley is a bonafide star and it’s only his first year in the NBA.
So far, he has been creating 15 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists a game – with an incredible 1.7 blocks a game.
He’s the epitome of a breakout talent and there is a lot of talk of him being Rookie of the Year.
It’s as if the rest of the team has caught a case of Mobley’s power and desire to thrive because they are all playing on a whole other level.
Mobley is quickly becoming the heart and soul of the team and there is such an infectious joy around watching him play.
It’s a sort of joy that the team and its fans haven’t seen since James first came to Cleveland.
But this feeling is even more palpable and special because it is being found without the talent of James.
The Cavs know they have uncovered an undisputed phenom who is already a force on the floor in his very first season.
Because the future is so bright for the team, it’s making them play harder and compete more and never count themselves out.
They might have been underdogs when the season began but the Cavs are definitely in contention for the best in East now – all without the most famous Cleveland player of all time.
NEXT: Do The Cavaliers Have A Shot To Win The East?
