The 2024-25 NBA season has been remarkable. Numerous teams have had strong seasons, and in some cases, teams have exceeded expectations. The Cleveland Cavaliers were a team that many expected to make the playoffs, but there were little to no conversations around them being the top team in the East.
Now, the season is winding down, and the Cavs are on their way to being the first seed for the first time since the 2015-16 season. With all of their success this season, can the Cavs win it all?
The Cavaliers have played well all season, and their record reflects that. Cleveland has a record of 61-15, and they find themselves on a two-game winning streak. This is the first time the Cavaliers have reached 60 or more wins since their 2009-10 season. Cleveland came up short that year, losing to the Boston Celtics in the second round. This year, the Cavs have a chance to follow in the footsteps of that 2015-16 championship team. That is not an easy task.
The Cavaliers made history in 2016. By now, everyone remembers or is at least familiar with the year they won the championship. It was their first championship in franchise history after years of making the playoffs, losing their star player, LeBron James, and rebuilding.
When James returned, he led the Cavaliers to victory. Cleveland lost to the Golden State Warriors in 2015, but they got revenge the following season. They beat the Warriors 4-3 after Golden State blew their 3-1 lead infamously. The last game of that series had some big plays, such as James’ block on Andre Iguodala and a big shot from Kyrie Irving, and once the dust settled, James dedicated the championship to Cleveland.
“Cleveland, this is for you!” He shouted.
The urban legend known as “Cleveland Curse” was broken, and that Cavaliers team cemented itself in history. This year’s group, which looks much different from the 2016 championship team, wants to add to that legacy.
After years of adding pieces, the Cleveland Cavaliers have their core. They drafted players like Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, and Evan Mobley, and traded for guys like Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell. When this group is clicking, they are a tough team to beat.
This group had multiple win streaks during the season, including a franchise-best 16-game streak before losing to the Orlando Magic. After that loss, the Cavaliers went on a brief skid and lost to teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns.
This period was concerning, but Cleveland got back on track with wins over the Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, and San Antonio Spurs. Their core remained key during this stretch, but their new addition has also found his role.
The Cavs made a move during the trade deadline, bringing in De’Andre Hunter. Hunter can knock down shots and is an exceptional defender. At 6 feet 8 inches, Hunter adds size to their frontcourt and gives them a versatile defender to utilize in the playoffs.
He has made his presence felt, and if the Cavs run into the Celtics in the playoffs, his defense will come in handy. In fact, it did in the Cavaliers’ 123-116 win over Boston. He defended Celtics star Jayson Tatum during a late possession and got a piece of JT’s shot. It was a huge play, leading to the Cavaliers tying the season series 2-2. Hunter made an early impact, and as the season ends, he will continue to do so.
The Cavaliers are in a great place. They remain first in the East, and are potentially three wins away from officially securing that spot. After that, it is all about accomplishing their goal of winning a championship. Time is winding down, and the real fun begins soon.
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