The NBA can be a tough place. Despite the Cavs’ impressive record of 32-4 on the season, many around the world are questioning their playoff and title chances.
The Cavaliers proved they are legitimate after taking on OKC on Wednesday night and went on a 16-game winning streak, extending their winning streak to 11 games.
But the league has doubts.
“Despite the evidence that Cleveland is a true title contender, doubts remain throughout the league about whether they are good enough to make the playoffs,” Bontemps said.
“Coaches and scouts point to the Cavs’ depth and speed — clear strengths in the regular season — as potential downsides in the postseason.
“‘I think they’re a good team in the regular season, but when the game goes down and there’s a lot of attention, I have some concerns,’ said the assistant coach who faced Cleveland recently. ‘Maybe Donovan [Mitchell] and Darius [Garland] did you make a bunch of shots when that happened? That’s going to be the biggest question.’”
There is also discussion surrounding Mitchell and Garland as a defensive back.
“Scouts and coaches have also pointed to the defensive limitations of the Mitchell-Garland backfield, which teams will target consistently in the seven-game series,” Bontemps wrote. “One common reference was Mitchell’s former team, the Utah Jazz, which had a defense built around Defensive Player of the Year favorite Rudy Gobert clearing the paint — like. [Jarrett] Allen and Mobley are working for Cleveland – to close the perimeters of that team.”
Before the game between OKC, Mitchell opened up about the Cavs and their roof.
“We’re playing good basketball,” Mitchell told ESPN, “but can we be this team consistently? Can we be this team if we lose two or three in a row? Can we be this team in the dog days right before the All-Star break?
“How long will we live? That is the challenge.”
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