Cleveland Cavaliers
The 2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers can be defined by winning 64 games but losing to the Pacers in the second round in five games.
What did we learn?
The Cavs steamrolled the regular season.
Cleveland’s 15-0 start was the best in franchise history.
They rolled up the Eastern Conference and SMOKED it.
In his first year calling the shots, Kenny Atkinson changed the Cavs play style and preparation and the results were profound.
It was the usual suspects with Donovan Mitchell still running the show as the lead and No. 1 option, Darius Garland playing Robin to D. Mitch’s Batman and then the Twin Towers of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen down low, forever protecting the paint and rim running in transition.
But we also had to say: hello, Ty Jerome! And welcome back in Max Strus. And eventually hi to De’Andre Hunter as well after the deadline trade.
The Cavs consolidated some of their depth by sending out Niang and LeVert to bring in Hunter, thought of as the missing link for the Okoro spot that just never worked out on offense.
But then there was that troublesome West road trip that left us feeling uneasy. After a 16-game winning streak, the Cavs lost four in a row to the Magic, Clippers, Kings and Suns.
Those troubles were long forgotten after the first round of the playoffs, embarrassing the Heat so bad they actually did have to leave Miami for vacation elsewhere.
The Cavs obliterated the Heat in the two games in Miami by 92 points combined, winning the elimination game by a staggering 55. It was quite literally the cleanest sweep in NBA history.
But Round 2 vs. division rival Indiana and with the Cavs not at full strength…
All of a sudden, Cleveland was outmatched.
The Pacers had the perfect style and depth to punch the Cavs in the mouth over and over again. They just didn’t stop their peskiness and relentlessness.
It was Haliburton late in Game 2 and then ripping all those 3s in Game 5.
D. Mitch gave it his all, but he was hobbled and didn’t have the support.
Poof.
The wonderful regular season here was instantly marred and the Cavs were questioning things all over again.
Some teams and players excel greatly in the regular season and for a myriad of reasons it doesn’t translate in the playoffs.
The regular season success formula works here, but the postseason formula is still very much a work in progress with a ways to go.
Being highly motivated and out to prove everyone is a start.
Now let’s see if it truly fuels their fire and if they come back stronger than before.
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Additional Notes
In addition to winning Defensive Player of the Year and making 2nd team All-NBA, the Cavs unlocked so much more of Evan Mobley’s passing, which opened new avenues for this offense to thrive.
It’s very important to note that over the first three post-LeBron years from 2018-19 to 2020-21, the Cavs went 60-159. That’s 60 wins over three seasons. This year they won 64 games.
Never forget that before Game 5 Max Strus texted the group chat, "If you don't believe, don't show up to work." And then Strus shot 0-for-9 for the game. Whoops.
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Did our preseason Over/Under prediction hit?
The playoffs might be a different story (again), but we believe in the regular season Cavs. Over 48.5 wins.
Cavs 2024-25 record: (64-18)
Nailed it!
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What’s Next?
Garland underwent toe surgery three weeks ago and is out for the next 4-5 months. He’s still been in trade rumors, but there is word that the Cavs don’t want to shop him.
And Cleveland has already added additional play-making by trading Okoro for Lonzo Ball. Sharp-shooting Sam Merrill is reportedly also inking a 4-year, $38 million deal. Yeah, the Cavs appear to be running it back.
Keep the regular season formula and find the right one for the postseason.
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Favorite Cavs Highlight of the 2024-25 Season:
02/04/25 D. Mitch 4.2
The next night: Max Strus, Surprised to See Ya!
The return of Power Dunk City: COMING SOON.
