Cavs Move Up In Eastern Conference Rankings After Win Over Kings

The Cleveland Cavaliers move into the second seed in the NBA's Eastern Conference.
Cavs Move Up In Eastern Conference Rankings After Win Over Kings
Cavs Move Up In Eastern Conference Rankings After Win Over Kings /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers were hoping to tread water when they learned Darius Garland and Evan Mobley would miss extended time with injuries. Little did anyone know, the wine and gold be would be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference just four games after their return to the floor.

The Cavs took down the Sacramento Kings on Monday night behind a three-point onslaught that tied a season-high and came just two short of setting a franchise record. 

However, there are bigger implications after this victory when looking at it from the playoff perspective. With Cleveland's win over Sacramento, they are now the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Jan 26, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives for the basket in front of Milwaukee Bucks guard Malik Beasley (5) during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports / © Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Cavs have a record of 32-16 this season which is technically one win shy of the third-seed Milwaukee Bucks. However, Cleveland's higher win percentage (.667) moves them past the Bucks (.660). Milwaukee had Monday night off, but they could still retake the two-seed with a win against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday evening. 

For those wondering, the Cavs are now 5.0 games back of the Boston Celtics who are the current one-seed. 

Cleveland's ascend to the second-best team in the East has been a true team effort. On December 15, they were 13-12 and the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference with two of their best players on the sideline. Now, the Cavs are in striking distance of the best team in the East. 

Cleveland finished the 2022-23 season with the fourth-best record in their conference. An improvement of that would be an impressive accomplishment considering all of the injuries, adversity, and trade rumors the team has already faced.

However, there's a long way to go before the playoffs start. This team currently needs to keep its foot on the gas and keep this hot streak going and see how high they can climb. 


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