Amidst all the coverage and the hype surrounding the LA Lakers, especially in the wake of *that* trade, it’s somehow going under the radar that the Cleveland Cavaliers have the best record in the NBA.
The Cleveland Cavaliers sent another reminder to the rest of the NBA of their title credentials with a convincing win against the Milwaukee Bucks in their recent game.
As always, their four-man show of Jarrett Allen, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley all shone to get their record to 54-10.
The Cavs stand atop the NBA as the team to beat but Stephen A. Smith says it wouldn’t have been possible without a fifth man.
They haven’t been defeated when that fifth man has played in addition to the four-man star show.
When a team is on its way to becoming one of the most dominant regular season outfits in the league, it goes without saying that it’s not heliocentric.
No one player can drive excellence of that level for any team, especially in an NBA landscape that looks more competitive than ever.
Therefore, the Cavs already held the cards with four bonafide stars on the team but they needed additional help in a position of need.
That help was provided by De’Andre Hunter, acquired on the trade deadline this season. Stephen A. Smith credited Hunter’s impact on an already loaded Cavs.
He said on ESPN: “They’re undefeated with Andre Hunter. He’s been flat-out balling. They’re 11-0 with him [now 12-0]I. They still felt the need, despite having Mobley, they felt the need to get Hunter. Hunter has to do what he’s been doing since he’s arrived in order for Cleveland to come out of the Eastern Conference.”
The Cavs were dominating before De’Andre Hunter was acquired, but a soft spot at the wing position was clear to see, something teams were starting to take advantage of.
Hunter’s defensive tenacity and reliable three-point shooting gave them what every contender desires the most – A three-and-D wing.
It’s safe to assume that Hunter won’t keep shooting over 50% from the arc but just the threat of reliable shooting opens up space for Mitchell and Garland to do their magic.
It also alleviates pressure from Mobley and Allen to become fully pick-and-pop bigs, thereby strengthening the whole defensive system and varying their attacking modes.
The Cavs already had a high floor before Hunter arrived. He’s raised their ceiling to genuine contenders.
