3 big questions for the Cavs after nice start to Western road trip

Cavs big question No.1: Is a playoff appearance a real possibility?

When you look at the whole picture, seeing that the team is currently the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference standings, then yes, this group does have a realistic chance at making the playoffs. You have to temper that possibility with the fact that this team has struggled in the second halves of seasons in the past. But, the biggest difference, one can see with this team now is simply the eye test.

These players are at a different point in their mentality this season.  All season, this team hasn’t really been beaten by any of their opponents in a blowout fashion. All of their games have been close, win or lose. They are learning to come out of the locker room, after halftimes and they aren’t squandering leads like they may have in the past.

Last night was a good example of that. The two teams played toe-to-toe in the first quarter. By the second quarter, the Cavs were able to gather a nice six-to-eight-point margin. In the second half, Cleveland was able to stretch the lead to 12 points. The Trail Blazers would keep trying to make a comeback and would get within a basket or two, but one of the Cavaliers would knock down a key shot and the Cavs would expand the lead a bit more.

It hasn’t been this way in every game, but the Cavs are competing every night because they have the talent now and these Cavs believe in themselves. Confidence is a great weapon when you’re building a winner.