The Cleveland Cavaliers have returned from an intense 12-day road trip filled with five challenging games, bringing back a wave of positive energy. As they gear up for their upcoming encounter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on Wednesday, they find themselves on a four-game winning streak and have triumphed in nine of their last ten matchups. This strong performance has positioned them fourth in the Eastern Conference, inching closer to the second spot.
Terry Pluto, a commentator for Ideastream Public Media, pointed out that a significant transformation took place prior to the major trade involving James Harden at the deadline.
"About six weeks ago, the team had a record of 17-16," Pluto remarked. "Many observers were already writing them off as if they were falling apart. I even heard someone from the media claim, ‘They’re imploding.’ But I thought it was premature to make such conclusions."
Instead of collapsing, the team showed remarkable resilience and adaptability.
"What we’re witnessing is a shift toward more balanced and energetic basketball," Pluto explained.
This change, he elaborated, stemmed from adjustments made by head coach Kenny Atkinson, who took a fresh look at his lineup and overall strategy.
"Atkinson re-evaluated what it would take to steer the team back on course," Pluto noted.
He emphasized that Atkinson started to rely more on younger talents like Jaylon Tyson, Craig Porter Jr., and Nae’Qwan Tomlin, while also making Evan Mobley, the team’s towering 7-footer, the focal point of their offense.
"Atkinson has been adamant about driving the ball inside more often," he added.
When Mobley suffered a calf injury, Jarrett Allen, another key player, rose to the occasion, delivering a spectacular performance with 40 points and 17 rebounds in a game against Portland on February 1st.
As the Cavaliers began to find their footing, they faced a challenging decision: trading away All-Star guard Darius Garland. Pluto offered some insights into this choice.
"Garland’s time on the court this season had the team sitting at a mediocre 13-13. In contrast, without him, they’ve managed to achieve an impressive 20-8 record, which indicates an upward trend," he explained.
Garland, who has been grappling with a right toe sprain, missed the last nine games before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Lawrence Frank, the Clippers' president of basketball operations, mentioned on Monday that Garland's toe is improving, although he is still recovering from an offseason surgery on his left toe.
Beyond just Garland’s injury issues, questions lingered regarding his synergy with star player Donovan Mitchell on the court.
On the other hand, Pluto highlighted that Mitchell's impact extends well beyond mere scoring.
"Kenny Atkinson has shared with me how Mitchell has provided crucial support during tough times early in the season, often encouraging him with phrases like, ‘Coach, we’ll figure it out,’" Pluto revealed. "Mitchell is integral to the team's recent success—not only is he a star and an All-Star, but his positive attitude is invaluable."
This shift in dynamics has led to a team that plays with evident joy and fervor.
"They’re enjoying playing basketball again," Pluto stated. "Winning naturally brings enjoyment, but the fun comes from the energy and enthusiasm they display on the court. You can really see it."
The atmosphere received an additional boost with the arrival of Harden. While Pluto voiced some skepticism about the trade initially, he acknowledged that the early results suggest a familiar trend.
"One insight I gathered about Harden is that when he joins a new team, you typically see an energized version of him for a while," Pluto noted. "That seems to be unfolding here."
This energized version of Harden, according to Pluto, is characterized by his playmaking ability and basketball IQ.
"He excels at moving the ball and involving his teammates, particularly when it comes to feeding big men, a skill that’s often overlooked in the NBA," Pluto elaborated.
Harden’s influence was particularly noticeable during a key victory against Denver, where he not only facilitated plays but also contributed defensively, pulling down ten rebounds along with seven assists.
However, beyond the statistics, Pluto emphasized that Harden's presence has instilled a renewed sense of optimism within the team.
"His arrival generated an immediate surge of confidence that the team desperately needed, especially in light of Garland’s absence due to injury," he said.
As the Cavaliers continue to climb in the standings, Pluto believes that their new approach may prove to be just as crucial as their impressive win-loss record.
"This style of basketball is more physical and defensively focused," he asserted. "That will likely be more beneficial for them in the playoffs than simply aiming to put up 140 points and play aesthetically pleasing basketball."
Pluto also commended Atkinson’s development as a coach in his second year with the team.
"He’s not just learning about the players as athletes; he’s understanding them as individuals and improving his communication with them," Pluto observed. "In the NBA, where star power is paramount, effective communication is essential for coaches."
Pluto concluded by noting that Atkinson’s reputation for being a good communicator and listener is now yielding positive results.
"He’s built a reputation for being approachable and receptive, which helped guide the team through that challenging period earlier in the season to arrive at their current position."
