The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2022-2023 NBA season.
After finishing last season as the #8 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Cavs were expected to once again compete for one of the final playoff spots this season.
However, the Cavaliers had bigger plans. They opened the new campaign on a mission to prove they belong among the East’s elite teams.
Overcoming Early Season Adversity
The Cavaliers jumped out to a mediocere 13-12 start to the season but suffered a major blow in mid-December when All-Star point guard Darius Garland and 2021 Rookie of the Year runner-up Evan Mobley went down with long-term injuries.
With two centerpieces sidelined, many wrote off Cleveland‘s chances of remaining competitive in a steadily improving Eastern Conference.
However, the Cavaliers embraced the adversity. Instead of fading, the wine and gold came together and found a new identity without Garland’s playmaking and Mobley patrolling the paint.
Stepping Up in Key Players’ Absence
The responsibility fell on the supporting cast members to elevate their play.
Newly acquired All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell embraced his expanded role and has posted MVP-caliber numbers of 28.2 points, 6.4 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game.
Mitchell has proven capable of taking and making big shots in crunch time. His scoring has helped offset the absence of Garland.
Additionally, reserves like Dean Wade, Robin Lopez, and Lamar Stevens have all had signature moments to spearhead statement wins.
Unlikely heroes have continued emerging to make clutch defensive stops, hit timely three-pointers, and more while Garland and Mobley mend.
A New Style is Born
The Cavaliers have also undergone an offensive transformation in light of their adversity.
Without Garland organizing the attack, the team has focused more on ball movement, pace, and three-point shooting.
Cleveland pushes the tempo at every opportunity and hunts quick threes early in possessions. Their new style stresses aggressive drives to create open perimeter looks.
The Cavs attempt the 6th most threes per game while hitting them at a 36.5% clip, good for 8th best in the NBA.
Historic Turnaround Propels Cavs up the Standings
These strategic adjustments and brilliant performances from unsung players sparked one of the greatest mid-season turnarounds in recent memory.
Since December 16th, the Cavaliers have gone an incredible 22-5.
This meteoric rise vaulted them from 9th to 2nd in the Eastern Conference standings.
In the process, Cleveland has notched statement wins over East elites like Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn.
Their average margin of victory over this dominating 27 game stretch is 11.3 points per game.
New Identity Forged Through Adversity
In light of their hostile environment, the Cavaliers have forged a fearless identity rooted in tenacity, resilience, and grit.
The group never wavered in their belief that the collective unit could absorb the loss of key cogs and still achieve great team success.
Cleveland plays with an edge and willingness to out-tough opponents. They have proven extremely difficult to put away even when not firing on all cylinders.
The Cavaliers now expect to win every night regardless of who suits up.
Outlook for the Rest of the Season
Now Garland and Mobley have returned to action for the surging Cavaliers.
Their reintegration combined with Cleveland‘s new offensive approach and rugged mentality has made them extremely dangerous playoff foes.
A Consistent Model Going Forward
While the rotation may tighten come postseason play, coach JB Bickerstaff has found a template that works both for now and later.
The Cavs will likely continue pushing pace, hunting threes, and embracing small-ball lineups with five capable outside shooters.
On defense, Bickerstaff will tap into his versatile, athletic wings and big men to switch assignments and make stops.
These concepts fuel Cleveland‘s tenacious and chaotic brand of basketball that has fueled their shocking ascent.
Cavs Have the Talent to Make a Deep Playoff Run
In the wide-open Eastern Conference, Cleveland boasts the talent to advance to the NBA Finals.
Mitchell‘s scoring prowess paired with Garland‘s offensive organization and Mobley‘s defensive impact provide a potent Big Three.
The Cavaliers will be a tough out come April and May. Do not be surprised if you see them still standing among the last teams alive.
Their dogged determination and next-man-up mentality position Cleveland well for postseason prosperity.
The Cavaliers have arrived ahead of schedule. With key players back and firing, the sky’s the limit for the East’s most inspiring team.
Keep sleeping on Cleveland at your own peril. This team has proven they have what it takes to win when it matters most.
Sources:
www.nba.com/news/cavaliers-adversity-jump-in-standings
eu.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/cavs/2024/02/06/cleveland-cavaliers-winning-streak-gives-them-second-seed-in-east-donovan-mitchell-joel-embiid/72443871007/\
www.si.com/nba/cavaliers/news/cleveland-cavaliers-move-up-in-nba-eastern-conference-rankings
