The Cleveland Cavaliers have secured a playoff spot for the first time since LeBron James’ departure in the current NBA season. It’s a significant achievement for the team that has been defined by LeBron James this century. With him in the team, they were a consistent presence in the upper echelons of the Eastern Conference, but both times he left, they dropped rapidly.
The Cavs clinched the spot with a well-balanced performance in a 108-91 win over the Houston Rockets. No player scored more than 24 points in the game, highlighting the team’s strength in depth.
Cleveland’s record now stands at an impressive 48-28, and they have safely locked away home-court advantage with a six-game buffer over the New York Knicks. They are currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, with the Philadelphia 76ers just a couple of games ahead of them.
The team’s success this season is down to their talented roster. With a backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, the length of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, and some capable names coming off the bench, they have shown they are every bit worthy of their spot toward the top of the East.
It’s been a long time coming for the Cavaliers, who have struggled to make the playoffs without LeBron James. When he left the team in 2010, they went from first in the East to 15th in just one season. When he returned, they went from tenth to second. However, this season’s success has shown that the team can thrive without their former superstar.
The Cavs’ playoff spot is well-deserved, and they will be a tough team to beat over seven games. The team’s impressive depth and talent will make them a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. With home-court advantage secured, they will be looking to make a deep run and challenge for the Eastern Conference title.
In conclusion, the Cleveland Cavaliers have secured a playoff spot for the first time since LeBron James’ departure, marking a significant achievement for the team. With an impressive roster and home-court advantage secured, they will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Dynamic Duo: The Rise of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland
Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland have formed a great backcourt duo for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. The two young guards have been instrumental in the team’s success and have shown great chemistry on the court.
Mitchell, who was acquired in a trade with the Utah Jazz, has been a dominant scorer for the Cavs this season, averaging 27.5 points per game. He has also been a solid playmaker, averaging 4.5 assists per game.
The Cavs' current starters last time Cleveland made the playoffs without LeBron:
Evan Mobley wasn't born yet
Darius Garland wasn't born yet
Isaac Okoro wasn't born yet
Jarrett Allen was a few weeks old
Donovan Mitchell was almost 2 years old pic.twitter.com/x0T4Wmb8Ei— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) March 27, 2023
Garland, who was drafted by the Cavs in 2019, has taken a big step forward in his development this season. He has shown great court vision and has been a reliable shooter, averaging 21.7 points per game and 7.8 assists per game.
Together, Mitchell and Garland have formed a dynamic backcourt duo that has given the Cavs a lot of offensive firepower. Their ability to score from outside and get to the basket has been key to the team’s success this season. As the playoffs approach, the Cavs will be relying on Mitchell and Garland to continue their strong play and lead the team to success.
