After an emotional, record-setting game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Cleveland Cavaliers might finally reclaim their season.
With all the drama and all the rumors that have surrounded the Cleveland Cavaliers, it seemed like a sigh of relief to finally win a primetime game. While it looked bleak at times, the Cavaliers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 140-138 on ESPN’s first of its Wednesday night doubleheader.
The record-setting part of the game was the number of threes these teams combined to make. The Cavs and Wolves combined for 40 triples and combined to shoot 40-for-74 from downtown.
As for Cleveland, they were, yet again, looking at their leader, LeBron James, as the clock ticked down. James ended the game with a game-high 37 points on an incredible 16-for-22 from the field and 5-for-7 from downtown.
On top of that, James knocked down a game-winning shot over the outstretched Jimmy Butler with just tenths of a second left.
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This game is exactly what the Cleveland Cavaliers needed. However, it put their front office is a sticky situation. After last night, they proved that while a trade for another star might help, it might not be necessary.
And, Dan Gilbert, who already doesn’t want to give up a pick, was just shown the firepower and potential on this team. However, could that be a bad thing? This team needs a trade to have even a remote chance at not getting swept by the Warriors, assuming they make the Finals.
This team can battle through adversity and come out on the other side. Just two days ago, the Cavaliers dropped a 21-point lead to one of the NBA’s worst teams and then rebounded with a huge win last night.
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For Cleveland, even if a trade is made, most of the team will stay put. The second unit will most likely stay intact, and it’s assumed at least three of the five starters would stay in Cleveland. That said, if the Cavs are to turn their season around, it will take more than just a trade.
It’s a mindset.
The Cavaliers are ranked No. 28 in defense rating not because they are one of the NBA’s worst defensive teams. They are ranked that poorly because they fail to put the effort in to stop teams, mediocre teams. Against Minnesota, the Cavaliers looked like they wanted to play. Although they still gave up 138, their effort was there.
On most nights, Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns will not be a combined 10-for-11 from downtown. While those two stars did erupt for 30 and 35 points respectively, the King made sure his home fans left the building with a smile.
In the Cavs last 15 games, they have lost by over 20 points to the Rockets and Thunder. To add to that, they were both in front of their home crowd just like their victory against Minnesota. The painful memories are there for fans, but as this season continues, this team might finally start to rewrite the future that many perceived they would have.
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This game was just the beginning of what will hopefully be a good finish to the regular season for the Wine & Gold.
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