Watch Out, Here Come The Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers had a difficult start to the season. Some may even call it a nightmare scenario considering all of the injuries that they sustained on the roster.
Darius Garland, Donoavn Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, Ty Jerome, and Dean Wade are all examples of regular rotation players who have missed time this season. Some such as Mitchell and Okoro are still trying to get back to the floor.
In the midst of all of that, the Cavs have a 7-6 record, sit eighth in the Eastern Conference, and have now rattled off three straight wins.
One of the biggest reasons that Cleveland has made this turnaround has been the play from Darius Garland.
DG had a horrid start to the season. He was working through a hamstring injury which resulted in him missing four straight games all while shooting 13% (2-for-15) from behind the arc in the games he was active.
However, Garland has finally found his stroke from a long distance and is shooting 36% (8-for-22) from three in the last four games. A healthy DG who is knocking down threes is an integral part of this offense.
Nov 15, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) celebrates after a defensive foul call during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
© Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Jarrett Allen has also played a large role in getting this team back on track. The Cavs started off the season 2-3 with Allen sidelined with a foot injury but have gone team 5-3 since he made his season debut.
A lot of this impact can be attributed to what Allen brings to the offense. Cleveland's center currently has the highest offensive rating on the team which is 117.0.
Yes, the Cavs are still injured. Yes, Cleveland is still looking for consistency. Yes, there are still holes to fill.
However, this team is getting better (and hopefully healthier) with every game which should be turning the heads of everyone in the NBA.
