The NBA could be a harsh place. Regardless of the Cavs spectacular 32-4 report on the season, many across the league have doubts about their playoff and title possibilities.
The Cavaliers proved they had been legit after taking down OKC on Wednesday night time and snapping their 16-game win streak, while growing their successful streak to 11 video games.
However the league has doubts.
“Regardless of the proof that implies Cleveland is a respectable title contender, skepticism stays throughout the league about whether or not it’s ok to interrupt by way of within the playoffs,” Bontemps mentioned.
“Coaches and scouts level to the Cavs’ depth and frenetic tempo — clear strengths within the common season — as potential disadvantages throughout the postseason.
“‘I believe they’re a very good regular-season workforce, however when the sport slows down and is extra focused, I’ve some considerations,’ an assistant coach who confronted Cleveland lately mentioned. ‘Can Donovan [Mitchell] and Darius [Garland] make a bunch of pictures when that occurs? That’ll be the most important query.’”
There’s additionally chatter round Mitchell and Garland as a defensive backcourt.
“Scouts and coaches additionally pointed to the potential defensive limitations of the Mitchell-Garland backcourt, which groups will goal extra constantly throughout a seven-game playoff collection,” wrote Bontemps. “One widespread reference was to Mitchell’s former workforce, the Utah Jazz, which had a protection constructed round perennial Defensive Participant of the Yr favourite Rudy Gobert walling off the paint — like [Jarrett] Allen and Mobley do for Cleveland — to make up for that group’s perimeter deficiencies.”
Earlier than the matchup between OKC, Mitchell acquired candid in regards to the Cavs and their ceiling.
“We’re taking part in good basketball,” Mitchell advised ESPN, “however can we be this workforce constantly? Can we be this workforce after we lose two or three in a row? Can we be this workforce within the canine days proper earlier than the All-Star break?
“How lengthy can we maintain? That’s the problem.”
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