After dominating the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, it looked like the Cleveland Cavaliers were well on their way to clinching the best record in the East. In fact, after that game, they had a 95 percent chance of taking the top spot but have completely collapsed the last two games.
The Cavaliers suffered two back-to-back embarrassing losses to the Atlanta Hawks over the weekend. On Friday, they lost at home to Atlanta, who had Dennis Schroder, Paul Millsap, Dwight Howard, and Kent Bazemore all resting. On Sunday, the Cavaliers followed up with another disappointing loss, squandering a 26-point fourth quarter lead and losing in overtime.
Last week, Tyronn Lue stated that the team would not rest its players until they clinch the Eastern Conference, but you would have to think that mentality has changed. The Cavaliers currently have the same record as the Celtics but have possession of the first seed because they own the tiebreaker. However, they should just forfeit it to Boston in order to give their star players the rest they sorely need, especially LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
They do not need home court advantage over Boston
The Cavaliers proved on Wednesday that they really don’t need to have Home Court Advantage to beat the Celtics If the two teams meet in the playoffs, Cleveland could win in a seven-game series against Boston without having home court advantage because they simply have more talent and offensive firepower than the Celtics.
In Wednesday’s game, James absolutely demolished Boston’s defense, getting anything he wanted because there was barely any paint protection. That game proved how superior the Cavaliers are as opposed to the Celtics.
Cavaliers are still the best team in the East
Even though their regular season record might not show it, especially after these embarrassing defeats, the Cavaliers are still the best team in the East.
They are one of those championship caliber teams that have a switch. As soon as the playoffs begin, they will turn that switch on and play at an elite level again. Their defense may be problematic right now, but they will turn up the intensity on that end of the floor as well during the post-season.
Aside from all that, they have the best player in the world, LeBron James, who could carry them when needed.
James put the team on his back in 2015, taking them to the NBA Finals and could do the same if his teammates don’t play up to their expectations. Ultimately, that shouldn’t be a problem because Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, if healthy, will give LeBron the support he needs.
Therefore, giving up the top seed shouldn’t be an issue for the Cavaliers. They are the defending champions. They don’t necessarily need home court advantage to return to the Finals.
