The defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers remain the toughest team in the Eastern Conference, and the one most likely to reach the finals again.
They just have a strange way of showing it.
For the past four weeks, the Cavaliers have played indifferent basketball and given their closest rivals a sense of hope. In the end, it may be false hope, but the dynasty-in-progress has taken a funny bounce the wrong way.
A 5-6 record since late February has allowed the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards to draw within a few games of their No 1 seed position.
Cleveland’s human safety net, of course, is still there, as good as ever. Four-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James arguably is having the best all-around statistical season of his career.
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But it may be his unofficial, authoritative command of the entire franchise that ends up driving this team successfully over the finish line again.
It was late January after a frustrating loss to the lowly New Orleans Pelicans when James questioned the ambition of the front office, and the over-reliance on their three stars — James, Kevin Love and point-guard Kyrie Irving.
The 13 year veteran said the team was “top-heavy” with the trio, and needed more “bodies,” especially a backup point guard.
“I just hope we’re not satisfied as an organisation,” James said.
General Manager David Griffin fired back, saying instead he saw complacency on the court. Griffin and his superstar subsequently had a meeting to clear the air.
Nevertheless, James’ appeal was quickly answered. Within a few weeks, Griffin had picked up a veteran playmaker Deron Williams, plus rebounding-defending specialist Derrick Williams.
In early March, they signed another reputed defensive-minded forward, Larry Sanders, who had missed two seasons dealing with personal issues. He is expected to be in game-shape for the postseason.
None of the moves guarantee the Cavaliers another title.
Russell Westbrook is a top MVP contender. Kathy Willens / AP Photo
The dividends from bolstering the roster obviously have not shown up in a big way on the floor yet, either. But at least more pieces — those requested “bodies” — are in place.
Getting forward Love back this week from minor knee surgery, which cost him more than a month of the season, also should help.
The Cavaliers were 7-6 without Love, and greatly missed his 11.1 rebounds per game.
Sharpshooter Kyle Korver also remains out with a foot injury, but he should be ready soon, too.
When completely healthy and settled with their new talent, Cleveland will present formidable problems for any opponent. Especially since James is at the top of his game.
James Harden has also been mentioned as a possible MVP. Troy Taormina / USA Today
This year’s MVP talk continues to swirl around the triple-double feats of Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder and James Harden of the Houston Rockets.
Statistics-wise, James is only a tick or two behind them. His 26 points per game average is his highest in four seasons. He also is averaging career highs in rebounds (8.4) and assists (8.9).
Just as impressive, the 32-year-old James is logging more minutes per game (37.5) than anyone in the NBA, except Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry, who has a wrist injury and hasn’t played since mid-February.
Asked about his MVP chances, James acknowledged the dazzling seasons of Westbrook and Harden, but told ESPN.com he should not be overlooked.
“Look at my winning percentage,” he said. “That’s what this league is all about. Just win.”
Indeed, in the five games that James has rested this season, the Cavs are 0-5. Happily for them, when he does play, he is all in.
Asked about his minutes, James answered, “I rest when I retire”.
In the meantime, there is a dynasty to reclaim.
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