The Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t playing their best basketball at the moment, but they’re assured of a spot in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, according to Basketball Reference’s Playoff Probabilities Report.
Among Eastern Conference teams, the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have also clinched a postseason berth. In the Western Conference, three teams have a 100.0 percent chance of making the playoffs: the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Memphis Grizzlies. Of note, the Denver Nuggets (99.5%), Milwaukee Bucks (98.8%), Indiana Pacers (96.6%), and Los Angeles Clippers (93.1%) have over a 90 percent chance of a postseason berth as well.
Cavs Clinch Playoff Berth Ahead Of All-Star Break
Since trading for All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell in 2022, the Cavs have been a playoff contender.
However, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley‘s evolution has unlocked them. Under J.B. Bickerstaff, both Garland and Mobley were able to flash their potential but didn’t quite sustain it. Now that Kenny Atkinson’s in the head coach’s chair, they’re being empowered even more. To that point, Garland has averaged 21.7 points per game this season, tying his career-high. Mobley is averaging a career-high 18.3 points per game.
With or without Atkinson, both Garland and Mobley were due for a breakout though. Not only is Garland healthy, he’s now playing with a chip on his shoulder. Mobley, addressing the concerns about his lack of strength and toughness, has been in the weight room. Now a hyper-focused Garland is one of the most efficient players in the league, especially in the clutch. Mobley has been much better at finishing through contact.
All For One, One For All
On top of that, though they’re confident in their individual abilities, there’s a lack of ego. Mitchell, in many ways the big brother of the family, has been happy to see Garland and Mobley shine. In fact, he’s posting 23.8 points on 18.8 field goal attempts per game, his lowest since joining the Cavs. On any given night, anyone could carry the offense –even Ty Jerome or Jarrett Allen –and their performance would be celebrated.
Chemistry may not be what allows a team to beat a player like Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, to answer the question that Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant asked during the Paris Olympics.
Nonetheless, Cleveland’s ‘all for one, one for all’ mentality will help them stick together when adversity strikes. With that being said, pressure is at its highest in the playoffs. When momentum feels lost or elimination seems imminent, the teams with the best camaraderie don’t get as rattled as others. If they tighten up, it’s due to a lack of experience, not mistrust.
Improving The Defense
Amid their three-game losing streak, their perimeter defense has been problematic.
Atkinson has installed a zone defense that helps them prevent penetration. However, they may need to consider making a trade for Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig or Charlotte Hornets wing Josh Okogie. Both of these defensive-minded veterans are thought to be available on the trade market. With that in mind, because Sam Merrill has taken a step back since last season, he could be expendable.
In terms of their internal options, Craig Porter Jr. could be in line for another promotion. He seemingly fell out of his favor when his shot wasn’t dropping. Nonetheless, it might be worth putting the two-way playmaker on the court for short stretches, especially while Isaac Okoro remains out.
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