Cleveland Cavaliers: Revisiting Early Struggles After Win Streak

After their recent win streak, we take a look back at how much the Cleveland Cavaliers have changed — statistically — since their rocky start to the season

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have finally begun to hit their stride this season. After a less than stellar open to the year, which included a 5-7 start, the Cavs have won eight straight games.

In the win-loss column, they’ve definitely turned it around. Although, the real proof lays deeper than just the “W.” If we’re really interested in seeing if the Cavs are really playing better, we have to dig into their statistical categories — and compare.

That’s exactly what we did.

About a month ago, we ran this piece detailing the Cleveland Cavaliers’ struggles to open the season. At that point in the season, the Cavs had one win and two losses. Small samples size, right? Sure. But you have to start somewhere. And that was the Cavs’ starting spot this season.

It was also a point in which many took the opportunity to rip into what was wrong for the Cavs, not exactly taking into consideration that this team was assembled just months prior to playing real basketball. We understand that. Which is why we’ve given a chance for the Cavs — roughly 17 games later — a chance to change some of that early season narrative.

To be fair, we’ve decided to look at the numbers now that the Cavs seem to have hit a stride, and compare. Mostly, simply to see how far the Cavs have come — statistically — since that rocky start to the year. At the same time, we can also see if there has even been an improvement.

First, here are the original numbers that we ran back in early-November:

"1 — Number of wins.1.29 — The Cavs assist-to-turnover ratio, ranked in the bottom third of the NBA.2 — The number of games in which LeBron James has not scored more than 17 points.19.3 — The number of assists per game the Cavaliers account for. It’s also the 25th mark in the NBA.40.2 — The NBA’s 27th worst field goal percentage, also belongs to the Cleveland Cavalers.44.2 — The Cleveland Cavaliers effective field goal percentage through three games.55.8 — Their assist percentage, also in the bottom third of the NBA.98.8 — The team’s offensive rating (points scored per 100 possessions), 19th in the league.108.0 — Cleveland’s defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions), good enough for 26th in the NBA.79 — The number of games until any of these numbers actually matter."

Now, we’ll compare.

By simply glancing at this table, you can tell a few things.

First, the Cleveland Cavaliers are clearly getting used to playing with one another. That’s the first thing that jumps out at me. They’re passing better, hitting a higher percentage of shots and, most importantly, winning games.

Secondly, their defense is getting better. They’re not horrible, but not great either. For all the heat that the Cavs have gotten for their pathetic defense, Cleveland is in the middle of the pack when it comes to that side of the ball. And right now, that’s perfectly OK.

The biggest indication that the Cavs are beginning to gel is the simple fact that Cleveland has gotten better in each of the statistical categories. Progression, on any level, is always a good thing, if not a great one.

The Cavs are exhibiting just that through their first 20 games of the season. And at their pace, who’s to say that they won’t keep getting better?

Through 20 games, the Cavs have made the proper adjustments and strides they’ve needed to make. They’re just going to keep getting better, folks.

Question is: will the Cleveland Cavaliers be the well-oiled machine that we all expect them to be by June?

Ultimately, that’s all that matters.

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After their recent win streak, we take a look back at how much the Cleveland Cavaliers have changed — statistically — since their rocky start to the season

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