It was a disappointing first half of the season in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers opened the year with a 24-20 record after going 64-18 a year ago. However, the team has won nine of its past 10 games and appears to be rejuvenated by a trade deadline shakeup that saw James Harden, Dennis Schröder, and Keon Ellis added to the roster, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com (subscription required).
“There’s definitely a different energy,” center Jarrett Allen said on Monday after the Cavs eked out a 119-117 win in Denver. “Everybody feels a new energy and another belief that we can go even farther than we did last year. The belief is around the team. The last few games we have proven that we can be an amazing team down the stretch and during the game. There’s just a whole new belief and confidence. When you see change, you believe things are going to be different and things are going to go in a new direction.”
Schröder (+22 in 17 minutes) and Ellis (+20 in 17 minutes) played key roles off the bench against their former team in Sacramento on Saturday as the Cavs won for the first time with their new-look roster. On Monday, Harden came up big against the Nuggets, with 22 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks.
Donovan Mitchell, meanwhile, scored 35 points against the Kings and 32 in Denver, prompting head coach Kenny Atkinson to tell reporters that Harden’s arrival has given Mitchell “a different energy.” Mitchell didn’t dispute the idea that bringing in the 36-year-old star has created a greater sense of urgency for the Cavs.
“I think you understand what’s at stake,” Mitchell told Fedor. “You see what’s here. There’s a window. This is the window. This is the time. In a sense, the team is going all in. It’s time to go. When you make that move, understanding James’ age and where he’s at in his career, the time is now. There is no ‘runway’ in a sense with a group like that. You sacrifice even more. You believe even more. You go out there and feel it even more.
“I love the pressure of it. I love the expectation of it. I love the questions that have come from it. I love it. We need that. Embrace it. I think it’s a little bit of a jolt for everybody. When you make that move, what are you making it for? To win a championship. That’s what it is. The organization is basically saying, this is the time. And I love it. Now we have to go out there and do it. We are not running from that as a group.”
We have more from around the Central:
- While the Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo will likely revisit their discussions about his future in the offseason after no trade materialized last week, the club is facing a more pressing Giannis-related decision in the short term as the two-time MVP works his way back from a calf strain, writes Jamal Collier of ESPN. If Antetokounmpo is ready to return sooner rather than later, as head coach Doc Rivers recently suggested, will the Bucks activate him and try to push for a play-in spot or delay his return to action in order to improve their draft position? “Everything they do is in service of Antetokounmpo,” one Western conference executive told ESPN. “It will absolutely be in their best interest to play for a draft pick, but if Giannis wants to try and make the play-in, they’ll try to make the play-in.”
- After signing with the Bucks on Sunday, Cam Thomas told reporters on Monday that he’s excited for his “fresh start” in Milwaukee and can’t wait to play alongside an “all-time great” like Antetokounmpo, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “The front office told me that they always wanted me, always called about me, been trying to get me here for years,” Thomas said. “That definitely plays a part in your decision to go somewhere, because I really felt wanted by the guys. Talked to Doc before. It was great. Great conversations. Just seeing the team, I feel like I can actually help and contribute and just blend in and be one of the guys.”
- Bulls guards Josh Giddey and Tre Jones should be back from their left hamstring injuries soon after the All-Star break, says Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. According to head coach Billy Donovan, both Giddey and Jones have been doing three-on-three work and running at full speed. The Bulls can afford to be cautious and take their time with the duo as the team evaluates some of its newcomers in the backcourt, Cowley notes.
The Bucks always wanted Cam Thomas, but just not enough to trade for him at the deadline?!? In any event, they got their man-child.
always wanted him as long as they don’t have to give anything up
Of all the teams the Cavs needed a big trade and didn’t do one but a small trade. Harden i consider a small trade because all you did was trade 1 PG for an old PG. Their hope is Harden can show his old self but histroy shows he doesn’t do well in teh playoffs.
IDK about you but Harden >>>> Garland. I consider it a big trade since they knew it wasn’t working with Mitchell/Garland backcourt, and they traded Hunter who was a top 5 finalist for 6th man last year. Those are two pretty huge trades for a team that’s definitely accelerated their timeline. It’s win or bust for Cavs now.
When Garland was healthy teh Cavs were a much better team. His health is teh reason the cavs went into losing slumps. Hunter was having a very bad year. I thought cavs should have gone after Giannis they had the players and the draft picks to do it.
How were they a much better team? They all regressed this year. Garland is not the player who you think he is. He’s a subpar defender with very questionable shot selection. I liked him first few years and wanted him over Coby in 2019 but he’s not a superstar. Agree with you on Giannis to Cleveland but that would have gutted their entire roster, rather than gutting they just retooled with Harden. I’m not a Harden fan either, I’ve turned on him since his epic G7 fiasco against Spurs in the 2017 playoffs. Key to this team will be Mobley, he needs to be 100% for that team to advance to the Finals.
He is a assist type of PG that plays good defense. I just don’t see harden bring anymore than offense to the team. His defense is below par and he ball hogs on close games. With the Bucks i don’t think they were ever serious about trading Giannis. They better trade him before the draft at the end of the season. Giannis attitude is a problem.
When have you see Garland play defense? He’s been one of the worst defenders at his position for several years. Harden is no better but his anticipation when playing the passing lanes is better than Garland. Problem with Harden is he has terrible shot selection. I think Mitchell will play better with Harden bringing up the ball than Garland. Getting Strus will help their depth as well. Same team essentially that won 64 games, now you just replace Garland with Beard.
Harden will get Mitchell open more is the difference. With the Hornets and pistons getting better in the east its no longer a cake walk for the better teams. Combine with teh great coaching job in Boston you now have 5 teams that could be going to teh finals in the east. Raptors and 76ers knocking on teh door. Just disappointed in Orlando.
Orlando always disappoints. I’m surprised Mosley hasn’t been fired yet. Cream rises to the top usually in NBA.
I must be in the minority then for liking the Cavs retooling. As mentioned, it’s vital to get Mobley healthy down the stretch (pun half-heartedly attempted there). Even though they’re not there yet, Cavs have GOTTA be looked at as a top-3 finisher in East – depth, the know-how from last regular season, and the field being worse than expected. Even with Tatum potentially returning soon, I’ll take the Cavs over Celtics – and I wouldn’t be surprised if Cavs eventually catch and pass the Knicks (still the biggest underachievers in the East – Bucks a close second?)
“Everything they do is in service of (Giannis)…”
But, everything Giannis will want to do is whatever he feels management DOESNT want to do.
Count on it!
I don’t get why the Bucks allow Giannis to sit and pout. lost all respect for him acting like the NBA owes him a championship
Actually, he’ll do whatever has the higher payout on Kalshi.
Can’t believe the league is okay with that btw.
Cavs in theory should win the East.
They’ve got the best backcourt pairing with Harden and Mitchell. Then in the front court you have a 2 big combo of Mobley and Allen and there isn’t a team out east that really matches up like that.
They do lack having proven wings but the role players they have like Merrill, Tyson, Strus etc are all capable of holding their own and doing a job. I also like the depth in Schroder and Ellis.
The Knicks can’t match their size and don’t have the depth. The Celtics are their toughest match up but lack the size and star power unless Tatum returns. My Sixers are cool but the injury concerns are too large.
If they make it out then it’s likely against the Spurs, Thunder or Nuggets. That big man duo will be super important and Harden will again be under the big bright lights. Id love to see Harden get a ring and shut a lot of people up but id also like to see Wemby start the Spurs dynasty or Shai continue the Thunders
Best record in the NBA since January 1: Cleveland and Detroit are both 14-5.
The Cavs along with the Knicks will be the team to beat in the playoffs, Detroit has been great, but I don’t trust their offense will be able to keep up when the pace gets slowed down. J.B Bickerstaff isn’t the most creative offensive coach and runs a heavy diet of PnR offense. That can only carry you so far in the playoffs.