It has not been easy at all for the Cleveland Cavaliers, as with a very up and down season, they finished fourth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 50-32. But entering the playoffs, despite the lackluster year, they were very confident. They had to face injuries to star players including Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and Kyle Korver throughout the peak end of the regular season, but as the playoffs arrived ‘The Land’ had a healthy roster.
But although they were finally healthy, they were struck early by playoff basketball, going down 2-1 in the first round series to Victor Oladipo and the Indiana Pacers.
But after this they proved their resilience, winning the next two games and moving up to a 3-2 lead over the Pacers heading into game six after a historic performance and game-winner from King James. But another poor performance in game six had them heading into game seven at the Quicken Loans Arena with the series tied at 3-3.
The Cavaliers were able to pull out the victory in game seven 105-101 behind LeBron’s 45-point performance. But the Cavaliers have no Time To Rest, and although LeBron said he just wants to get some rest at home, he has to get right back to work, but not without the support of his good friend and teammate, Jr Smith.
Team Swish has the King’s back
LeBron James played over 40 minutes of basketball in every game of the first round series against Indiana, minus game six which he rested from in the fourth quarter.
After playing a full 82-game season schedule, LeBron admitted a few games into the playoffs that his legs feel tired. He even reportedly was experiencing cramps in game 7 of the first round, which had him sit out for a few minutes from the end of the third quarter to midway through the fourth. It’s obvious that the King would appreciate some rest right now, but with their first game of the second round against Toronto happening on Tuesday night, he has no time for that.
JR Smith sent LeBron some needed motivation on his Instagram account:
Although LeBron is taking a break from social media and probably won’t see this post, he still appreciates the support from his teammates. JR Smith knows it will be a hard task to go all the way this season, but he still has hope, and he is hoping all his teammates do too.
Sweep?
The Cavaliers will be hoping to get their second-round series done as soon as possible, although it will be a huge challenge. If the series can be done in four or five games and the Cavaliers can come out on top, they will have more time to rest before their Eastern Conference Finals series. But the likelihood is we will see six or seven games, with LeBron expending a lot of minutes on the court. The Cavs can’t take Toronto lightly either, they finished with the best record in the East and will be hoping to make a statement after falling to Cleveland in the past two years.
