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NBA Playoffs: Process, Results Perfect for Cavs

By Jared Mueller

May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) hugs guard Kyrie Irving (2) after defeating the Atlanta Hawks 100-99 in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) hugs guard Kyrie Irving (2) after defeating the Atlanta Hawks 100-99 in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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So far, the NBA Playoffs have gone perfectly for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

That seems like such an obvious statement. The Cavs are 8 – 0 after sweeping both the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks.

That is the definition of perfect.

But it is not just the results that have been perfect for the Cavs, the way those 8 games played out have been perfect for the Cavs as well.

Starting with the obvious, the Cavs are going into the Eastern Conference Finals fully healthy. While the Golden State Warriors deal with Stephen Curry‘s knee, the Toronto Raptors deal with Jonas Valanciunas at least being out the rest of their current series with an ankle and the Miami Heat deal with the unknown of Hassan Whiteside‘s knee, the Cavs are healthy.

After losing Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving last year, the Cavs being healthy can’t be overstated.

Not only are the Cavs healthy, they are tested.

Both series so far have had a good level of physicality. The Pistons were at a much higher level but the Hawks also played the Cavs tough. Playoff basketball is an often used term that rarely holds a ton of meaning, outside a play or two. For the Cavs, they are well prepared for the next two series where calls won’t always go their way.

In the East Finals, physical play should be expected as the Cavs face either the Heat or Raptors.

Coming out of the Western Conference, the West Champ may be less prepared for the hard hitting style the Cavs will have played in the East. Whether the officials will give the Warriors, Spurs or Thunder the benefit of the doubt on calls is another question.

No matter, the Cavs have had 2 straight series that prepared them with a high level of playoff physicality.

Finally, when you look at the games individually, the Cavs have been galvanized by tough fought wins.

Two games against the Pistons were decided by 5 points or less (5 and 2) while all four were closely fought wins. Instead of just blowing out Detroit and building confidence based on that, the Cavs built confidence by overcoming slow starts, bad calls and a scrappy team.

Against the Hawks, Game 3 and 4 were also toughly contested. Last night, the Cavs found a way to win a game that they struggled with. They scrapped and clawed their way to a victory. In Game 3, down 11 during the 4th Quarter, the Cavs didn’t get down on themselves, show signs of bickering or get desperate. Instead, they focused, played their game and won.

Of all the signs of the team coming together, down 11 in the 4th Quarter was the best. We didn’t see LeBron James yelling at someone. We didn’t see Kevin Love putting his head down in frustration. We didn’t see Kyrie Irving totally break from the offense. Instead, we saw the team come together, work together and win together.

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The Cavs have an 8 – 0 record.

The Cavs are healthy.

The Cavs have played two physical series.

The Cavs have won the close, tough fought games without getting down on each other.

All and all, the NBA Playoffs have been perfect for the Cavs.

We doubt they will go undefeated but if the other three areas continue to go as planned, the Cavs have a great shot at bringing an NBA Title to the city of Cleveland.

What has impressed you most about the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Playoffs so far?