Are the Cavs in Trouble?

The Cavs are struggling. There is no question about that, but how far should we look into this? Every season this question comes up. Are the Cavs going be eliminated before the Finals? Every year they prove the doubters wrong. They make it to the finals and we all know how those played out, however, this season seems to be a bit different. There level of struggling has reached new highs or lows I should say. In the month of March they have a record of 6–10 with there last game in the month tonight (March 31st) vs the 76ers. They are 1–3 in there last 4 games and 2–5 in there last 7 games. These numbers are extremely bad for a healthy Cavs team and they are healthy so no excuses there. Korver is out, but if he’s the reason there losing then that’s sad. Lebron did get hit in the back vs the Spurs, but that was more played out by a dramatic and depressed Lebron. This team is healthy.

What can we ascribe the losing to? Well it’s simple. This team has shown no signs of playing quality defense. Yes, they have moments of defensive glory, but nothing consistent. With no defense, their offense will suffer as well. Guards are driving right past Irving and Williams, big men are rebounding over Thompson and going right back up. The pick and roll is working, screens are working, isolation is working, spotting up is working. Anything being drawn up by the opposing coach seems to be working for the opposing team.

The Cavs offense has been suffering from this. Lebron can’t find his shot anymore, especially from deep. Irving’s highlight plays have vanished. He scored eight points one game. J.R Smith is supposed to be a 3 point machine. Yes, he just came back, but he’s missed about every three he’s taken. Derron Williams was supposed to be that special “playmaker” backing up Kyrie. He’s made a shot here and there, so congratulations D-Will! Also, Kevin Love is no help right now.

I’m not sure if Lebron is playing games with us by acting like there’s a problem. Is he just tired, bored, and annoyed by the season and wants to get into the post season already? Probably, but there should be no reason for losing the number 1 seed. Sitting at number 2, the Cavs are in danger of falling more with the Wizards and Raptors coming for them quickly.

Here’s what I think. The Cavs are struggling. It’s real and Lebron Knows it, however, he doesn’t care about the number 1 seed in the east. He only cares about it if he would have a better record than the Warriors and Spurs. That will not happen so he’s done with the regular season. He will let his team fall now knowing he doesn’t need home court to take out the east. As we inch closer to the end, Lebron and Tyronn Lue will talk alone and with the team about motivation, chemistry, and defense. These players have played together before so this should not be something hard to fix. I say the Cavs are not in trouble. Come playoff time, with the one seed or not, Lebron will change his mindset. Lebron will become that angered bull and plow his way through the east and into the finals. I find it hard to believe Lebron wont be taking over playoff games. He will and they will win. They will face the Warriors or Spurs(?) in the finals. Will Cavs win then? That’s for another article later on. First, lets see if this plays out how I think it will.

Just remember, Lebron is the type of guy who likes being doubted just to prove the doubter wrong. He has done this a lot and gets pride and pleasure out of it.