In this week’s NBA Power Rankings edition, we discuss why everyone seems to be sleeping on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers
We talk about the Golden State Warriors and their record-setting pace and about how the San Antonio Spurs are right behind. We even talk about Kevin Durant and his bounce back season and what it could mean for the Thunder’s title chances.
Yet, for some reason, the Cleveland Cavaliers, for the most part, have taken a backseat to almost all NBA talk this year. It’s almost as if we’ve taken a, “well who is LeBron James going to lose to in the NBA Finals this season” approach. And that’s not fair.
Or smart.
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Golden State Warriors 4-2 in the NBA Finals last season, without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. I’m not one that believes the Cavs would’ve certainly won that series had they been healthy, but you never know. Yes, I know the Warriors are better this season, as is the case for the San Antonio Spurs.
However, if the Cavs can make it to the Finals healthy, why couldn’t they win? Are Irving and Love not worth two NBA Finals wins?
Is a year of experience under the belts of the previously untested Cleveland Cavaliers not worth one or two playoff victories?
Quietly, the Cavs have the sixth best defense in the NBA right now, which is better than at any point last season. While the Warriors are better; so are the Cavs. We’re just not talking about them. And that needs to change.
Here are this week’s NBA Power Rankings.
Next: Philadelphia 76ers