The Cavs are one series from one of the all-time great accomplishments. They are only a couple of victories shy of reaching the 60-win threshold for the first time since LeBron James departed for Miami in 2010. We know the Cavaliers have had a tough go this season. Their remarkable 16-game winning streak was snapped with a loss to the Orlando Magic on March 16. This loss would begin a tough four-game losing skid, the longest of the team’s campaign thus far.
The Cavaliers have since bounced back, winning four of five since that losing streak began. They pulled off an exciting 127-122 upset win against the LA Clippers on Sunday. This victory was so special since it was the first time they won a series since 1993 without LeBron James being on the roster. This win guaranteed them at least 60 wins for the first time in franchise history. The Cavaliers have not reached this mark since the 2009-10 campaign, when they went 61-21.
Despite this recent success, the Cavaliers faced a setback with a 133-122 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. Take rookie James Wiseman for instance. Coach Kenny Atkinson echoed his frustration with their performance. He’s still concerned with the big picture and not so much with chasing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
“If I had priorities I would rather be playing well and having everyone healthy. Hopefully the first seed will come with that and I think it will.” – Kenny Atkinson
Currently, the Cavaliers are leading the Eastern Conference by 4 1/2 games over the Boston Celtics, with just seven games left in the regular season. As of now, they are scheduled to host the New York Knicks on Wednesday and looking to get even more firm in their hold.
In particular, center Jarrett Allen has been a key player for the Cavaliers this season. He only recently earned his team-leading 39th double-double, with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Allen recognized how meaningful it was to reach these milestones without LeBron James.
“Whether we like it or not, LeBron is the face of this city and has done so much. It is tough to break away from that notion or the records, the first to do it with LeBron here.” – Jarrett Allen
Last year, the Cavaliers slowly began to distance themselves from LeBron’s shadow. It was a gritty clash, but they battled valiantly and prevailed over the Magic in seven hard-fought games during the Eastern Conference first round. Those accomplishments this season only serve to enhance their arrival as a forceful team in their own right.
“Everything since I have been here has been a stepping stone. Something has improved every year.” – Jarrett Allen
The Cavaliers began distancing themselves from LeBron’s shadow last season when they outlasted the Magic in seven games during the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. This season’s achievements further solidify their emergence as a formidable team on their own merit.
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