The Cleveland Cavaliers began the 2014-15 season, with extremely high hopes, because they finally had the greatest player on the planet, back in the fold. The entire city, in fact, the entire region, was rejoicing in the triumphant return of one LeBron Raymone James, to his roots. Cleveland was not only willing to forgive, "The Decision," but they were also primed and ready, to finish what was left undone five seasons ago. Cleveland was ready to "Witness" an NBA Championship!
Then, the season began. Even with their vaunted superstar back in maroon and gold, the team that went 33 - 49 a year ago, and saw the ouster of Coach Mike Brown, was once again, looking like yesterday's garbage. Under new coach David Blatt, they were barely playing .500 basketball, and acting like a bunch of individuals, who could not grasp the team concept. They just couldn't get it together. Night after night, the Cavs sputtered, and all the sports "Talk," was of "Mass team dissension." "Kevin Love wants out." "King James only signed a 2 year deal, so if this continues, where would he "Take his talents," next?" "David Blatt has already lost control of the team." "Who is really in charge around here, Blatt, or James?" The confusion and disarray, just went on and on and on...
They were going down in flames, and there seemed to be no end in sight. Had LeBron made a huge mistake, by "Coming Home?" Even yours truly, The SPortz Yak, thought they were a bit of a joke back in December. Many believed that the addition of James, instantly made the Cavs an Eastern Conference juggernaut, but the way they were playing, I gave them little to no chance, to even make the playoffs.
Then of course, on Jan. 13th, there was, "The Shove," which I jokingly called, "The LeShove." Across the land, people were clamoring for Blatt's head on a platter. "He's not a leader." "He can't handle the egos." "He doesn't have the respect of his players." The consensus about a month ago, was that his days were numbered in Cleveland. I didn't believe it was a huge deal, as I have seen players step between Coaches, and Officials, plenty of times in the NBA, as well as in other sports. Still, things had sunk about as low as they could go, in Cleveland.
At that point, the Cavs were 19 - 20, and seemed destined to struggle all season. They could not gel as a unit, and it became more and more difficult, for them to even compete. There was frustration around every corner. If Cleveland's favorite son, wasn't their savior, and if David Blatt wasn't the right fit, in that first chair on the bench, then what would become of Cleveland's beloved Cavs? If I may steal a line from the great Packer's QB, Aaron Rodgers, "R-E-L-A-X" Cleveland.
Since that Jan. 13 loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Cavs have gone on a 13 - 1 run. They currently stand at 32 - 21, good enough for 5th overall in the Eastern Conference. With 29 games remaining, they now appear to be firing on all cylinders, and preparing for the post season. No disrespect to the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and Chicago Bulls, but some believe they're once again, the favorites to win the East. I think favorites might be a bit overzealous, but if they can stay healthy, this team currently looks like it can definitely make a deep playoff run.
So here's the million dollar question. If the Cavs don't win the Eastern Conference, and go on to the NBA Finals, is the season a bust? Or do we chalk up the first 40 games, and/or, an early playoff exit, to "growing pains?" Have the Cavs saved David Blatt's job, even if they don't win the East, or the Championship? Was his job ever really in jeopardy?
Obviously, there is still a lot of season to play, but suffice it to say, reports of the Cavs demise, have been greatly exaggerated. They're starting to figure it out, and the supporting cast is learning how to play together. Kevin Love is averaging 17 points, and 10 rebounds, per game. J.R. Smith, is putting up 12 points, and 3 assists, and Kyrie Irving is absolutely lighting it up, dropping in 22, with 51/2 dimes. These Cavs are Rolling.
Their next run is tomorrow night, Feb. 11th. They will play host to the 22 - 29 Miami Heat. A team struggling in it's own right, but still eyeing the playoffs. Chris Bosh(21 pts/7rbs), and Dwayne Wade(21pts/5asst), would like nothing better, than to walk into LeBron's new, old house, and shut him, and the Cavs down. They already knocked them off 101 - 91, back on Christmas Day, in Miami, and they're confident that they are every bit as strong as anyone else in the Conference. The Cavs fully intend to hold serve tomorrow night, in front of the hometown faithful. It should be one for the ages, tomorrow night in Cleveland Ohio.
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