Monday night, the NBA’s defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers squared off against the New Orleans Pelicans inside The Smoothie King Center. Despite a 49-point effort from Kyrie Irving, the Cavs failed to complete the comeback effort. When the dust settled in The Big Easy, the Cavs were defeated, 124-122.
After losing five of their last six games, the Cavs find themselves in a bit of a slump, and LeBron James isn’t happy about it. Last night, in a post-loss locker room, James vented his frustrations to members of the media. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recants James’ quote in his recent article.
We top-heavy as s—. We need a f—ing playmaker. It’s been a s—ty 2017 so far.”
Today, after sleeping it over, James sent out a series of tweets to clear the air, saying:
I’m not mad or upset at management because Griff (David Griffin) and staff have done a great job, I just feel we still need to improve in order to repeat…”
“If that’s what we wanna do.”
if that's what we wanna do.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 24, 2017
A few hours later, James, still frustrated with losing but more level-headed, continued to reassure his fans and followers that the Cavs will bounce back.
Lately taken L’s, but we’ll bounce back. Boy, frustrating as hell. I know my team. We’ll bounce back…:
“If you a real one, then you know how to bounce back.”
Lately taken L's, but very soon we'll bounce back
Boy, frustrating as hell, I know my team we'll bounce back
If you a real one…..— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 24, 2017
then you know how to bounce back
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 24, 2017
James and the Cavaliers are no stranger to adversity. Recent losses to their starting rotation, various illnesses, and acclimating new players into the lineup have made things difficult. Last season, the Cavs overcame the ultimate adversity when they clawed their way back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
In the past, the Cavs have responded well in the face of adversity. Now, they’ll have to rise up again.