The Cleveland Cavaliers are mired in a bit of a funk. In fact, they’ve lost nine of their last 12 games, including Saturday’s embarrassing 148-124 set-back against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Of course, there have been several contributing factors in their recent slump (injuries, new players, etc), but LeBron James seems to think the team just isn’t playing up to its potential.
“We have guys who have not played up to their potential lately, but I’m sure they’ll come around,” James told Nikki Goel of Cavs Nation after Monday’s practice session at Cleveland Clinic Courts.
James has a point, but he could also speak for himself — and he did. Several Cavs players, James included, have struggled as of late. Though he’s averaging 26.9 points this season, James posted just 18 against the Thunder and 16 in Cleveland’s 104-103 win over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.
“As a leader, the leader of this franchise, I have to do more, especially out on the floor,” James told Joe Vardon of cleveland.com. “I have to pick it up for other guys and I haven’t been able to do that as of late. … I have to pick up for everybody, even when they are playing great. I gotta be much better.”
Other players must be held accountable as well when discussing the Cavs’ recent struggles. Some experts and analysts point a finger at J.R. Smith, who’s struggled with his shot in recent games. Smith recorded eight points and five assists in 26 minutes of action against the Thunder and just six points against the Magic. “Swish,” as he’s known, has become a beloved member of the Cavs’ organization, but it’s probably safe to say they need a bit more from him.
Despite the fact that he missed some time this season due to a calf injury, Tristan Thompson’s name has also been tossed about with regards to Cleveland’s inefficiencies. Most say he too needs to be better. Some are even on-board with trading him. In his 25 games played for the Cavs this season, “Double T,” as he’s known, has turned in averages of 5.2 points on 57.8 percent shooting and 5.9 rebounds.
Although his team is struggling, Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue recently told Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal that there are no lineup changes in the near future.
The Cavs will be looking to get back into the win column on Tuesday night, as they’re scheduled for a match-up against the San Antonio Spurs inside the AT&T Center. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST with TNT having live broadcast coverage.