3 reasons why the Cavs will win their in-season tournament group

Reason No. 3: The Cavs have the most to prove

Out of all the teams at the top of the Eastern Conference, it can be argued that the Cavs have the most to prove. 50-win teams that get homecourt advantage do not typically lose in five games in the first round. While Cleveland did not have much playoff experience last season, they have no excuses this year and the team knows that. They know that they have to improve, or they will look much different in 2024. Teams with a lot to prove usually play with an extra edge and more resolve. Those are two qualities this Cavs team has.

They had the most comeback wins in the NBA last season for a reason. An in-season tournament like this is the closest it’ll get to a playoff-like atmosphere before the real postseason begins next April. They can use this tournament as a stepping stone and an opportunity to show the NBA world that they are here to compete for a title this season. Expect them to come out with urgency and take advantage of their weaker group.

The motto for the Cavs this season: no excuses. This team has all it needs to not only win their group, but compete for a championship. Anything less than that should be looked at as a failure.

However, I expect them to respond to last season’s failure with a vengeance and put the league on notice this season.