Cleveland Cavaliers: January victory over the Phoenix Suns represents a turning point

Since LeBron James’ return in 2014, the month of January has been crucial for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yesterday’s game against the Phoenix Suns was more than just another win.

In LeBron James‘ first season back, the Cavaliers were in a bad spot at 19-20, and then general manager David Griffin pulled the trade that turned things around to get J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, and a few others. From there, they took off, finishing the season at a steamy 29-7 clip. They eventually rode that momentum all the way to the NBA Finals, and lost in unfortunate circumstances.

Last year was not exactly an identical situation, as the Cavs were 23-9 at a similar point in the season. Nonetheless, they got the wheels going in full-tilt as the meat of the season was on the horizon, and went 5-1 in the longest road trip of the season.

This time around, I expect the same. In Year Three of The King’s return, it’s time to refocus, and it looks as if the trend will continue. Just to confirm, let’s not get it twisted here people.

The Cavs are rolling at 28-8, which is first in the Eastern Conference. As the season approaches the All-Star break, it’s essential for the Cavs to keep the foot on the gas pedal, and Tyronn Lue will ensure that going forward. There has been a bit of a lull lately, understandably, as the Cavs recover from the injury bug

A number of recent games have been without the either The King, Kevin Love, or Kyrie Irving. With those three making up 65 percent of the team’s offensive production, it’s a bit of a difference when one is out of the lineup, let alone two. It was nice to get Uncle Drew back for the offense, as he’s missed the last three games.

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Overall, last night’s contest against the Phoenix Suns was great for this team’s psyche. The Suns made it a dog fight in the third quarter, after rallying back to tie the game after being down 22 early in the second half. The last 12 minutes were not easy, either.

The resolve was on display when it mattered most, though. Led by LBJ’s 12 fourth quarter points, (including two huge triples), the Cavs made clutch bucket after clutch bucket.

The ball movement created open looks that led to crucial points, with K-Love and Tristan Thompson getting some big offensive boards, too. Shump made two championship plays in the last few possessions on both ends as well.

He put the Cavs up 118-111 with 1:25 left, essentially taking the light out of the Suns. He then followed this up by stripping talented scorer Devon Booker with seven ticks left on the other end. Just to clarify:

These are the kinds of games that bring a locker room together, and bringing in Kyle Korver in the next contest will be a heck of a boost off the bench. With this kind of mental toughness, the Cavs might just be unbeatable come May and June.

I believe the only way this team doesn’t repeat is themselves. If the January road trip trend means anything, things are lookin’ mighty fine.

Hopefully the more eventful handshakes the merrier. I probably shouldn’t do them, though.

Related Story: Are The Cavs The Top Dog After The Kyle Korver Trade?

Do you think the game against the Phoenix Suns marked a turning point for the Cleveland Cavaliers? Let us know in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.