LeBron James appeared in his 12th All Star game last night in Toronto. The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar knows how the league’s midseason extravaganza boosts a player’s popularity and confidence, but when it comes to his personal mission this season, the All Star break is a step backwards.
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The Cavaliers underwent a late reboot in their coaching staff that has left Tyronn Lue still trying to get his players fully integrated into his quick-paced style of attack. The team is enjoying a winning record with Lue at the helm and they have become one of the league’s most potent offensive forces, but despite all that, a handful of games aren’t enough to be complacent with the way things have panned out.
In his article for USA Today, Mike Bohn shared LeBron James’ concern over the effect of the midseason break on his team’s momentum.
“I’m in a very good place as far as where I’d like to be. The worst thing that could have happened to us is the All-Star break. Seven days, we haven’t played since Wednesday; we won’t play again until Thursday. So that’s the worst thing that could happen.”
The Cavs’ new high-octane style requires lungs, and that is what James hopes his teammates are still working on despite being on vacation.
“We have a veteran ball club and I know guys will take a couple days off, which they should, but then at least get some cardio in. I’m not expecting guys to get back on the floor, because staying off the floor is probably what’s most beneficial to us right now, but just getting some work in so we get back on Wednesday, or Tuesday for practice, that we’re ready to go.”
Prior to the break and under head coach Tyronn Lue, the Cavs have won eight out of their 11 games. Most noteworthy streak is that of point guard Kyrie Irving who seems to have gotten back his old form. In that span, Irving has averaged 22.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals on a torrid 51.3% shooting in 33 minutes of play. He also turned the ball over a modest 1.9 times nightly.
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Cleveland will play Chicago, a team they have yet to beat and also a possible playoff opponent, to begin their second half of the season on Thursday. Though the Bulls will be hobbled sans Nikola Mirotic and Jimmy Butler, they are still expected to provide an acid test to the Cavs.