Cavs’ woes
Are the Cavaliers bored? Are they already thinking past the regular season? If so, then they’ve got a big problem. They may have long locked in on the playoffs, but they’re in a swoon that figures to cost them more than the top seed in the East. They’ve been playing atrociously on both ends of the court since the turn of the year, collecting bad habits that may well carry over into June — assuming that they even last that long. For fans, it’s frustrating because, well, the Cavaliers should be much, much better than what they’ve been showing in 2017. They were a heady 25 and seven after the Holiday season, firmly entrenched atop the conference four- time National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player awardee LeBron James has dominated over the last six years. Including yesterday’s embarrassing showing against the Spurs, however, they’ve lost 19 of their last 41 outings. And, worse, they’re getting progressively worse with each passing day.
The irony is that the Cavaliers managed to strengthen their roster by the trade deadline, picking up such notables as Kyle Korver, Deron Williams, and Derrick Williams and, in the process, giving head coach Tyronn Lue a formidable collection of warm bodies with which to keep the competition at bay. Unfortunately, amassing names with desirable combines of skill and experience is one thing, and getting them to work as one is quite another.
In the aftermath of yesterday’s blowout setback, the Cavaliers were alternately downcast and bitter. Considering how complacent and dismissive they hitherto looked, the reaction is actually an improvement. And if they’re still halfway serious about keeping the Larry O’Brien Trophy, they need to stop feeling entitled and start buckling down to work, pronto. No more lazy passes, no more nonchalant shots, no more token D, no more fingers pointed anywhere other than in the mirror.
No doubt, the Cavaliers believe they can turn themselves on and off whenever they want to, harking back to their playoff push last year, when an iffy finish to the regular season preceded a remarkable run to the Finals, and then, once there, an outstanding effort as underdogs. Well, they’re wrong. As otherworldly as James may be, as capable as fellow All- Stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love may be, and as deep as the supporting cast may be, they first need to understand that, in the sport’s grandest stage,
talent wins games, but resolve wins championships.
COURTSIDE ANTHONY L. CUAYCONG In the aftermath of yesterday’s blowout setback, the Cavaliers were alternately downcast and bitter. Considering how complacent and dismissive they hitherto looked, the reaction is actually an improvement. And if they’re still halfway serious about keeping the Larry O’Brien Trophy, they need to stop feeling entitled and start buckling down to work, pronto. No more lazy passes, no more nonchalant shots, no more token D, no more fingers pointed anywhere other than in the mirror.