For many successful NBA teams, both past and present, the secret to their good runs are the amount of work they put in during practices. It helps their players’ conditioning, as well as get more familiar with each others’ games, which translates to stronger chemistry on and off the court. However, this year’s Cleveland Cavaliers, are doing the complete opposite of that, but ironically, are winning a lot of games.
As winners in 18 of their last 19 outings, the Cavs have only practiced three times over that stretch, including one film session. Dwyane Wade was surprised with the low number, but also admitted, via Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, that he likes the idea and is already adapting to it.
“I’ve never seen anything like this, but I could get used to it,” Wade said.
LeBron James on the other hand discussed how head coach Tyronn Lue trusts him and his teammates to still play at a high level and win games despite the lack of practices. He also cited that the extra rest they’re getting allows them to be more ready to compete during games.
“He trusts in us that we’re going to get our work done even when we’re not practicing, which we do,” James said. “Guys are in here on off days every single time we have an off day. When we don’t practice, guys are in here working on their game, and he just trusts us that we’re going to be ready to go in the games, because we don’t have much practice time.
“That’s huge for any team, but especially for a veteran ball club, that you have a coach that trusts you.”
It’s truly an unorthodox approach, especially with their slow start to the season, however, it has been paying dividends for the Cavaliers, who have now catapulted themselves to second place in the Eastern Conference following their extended winning streak.
With a veteran team, the rest could do wonders for them as the season progresses, and even in the playoffs. Their bodies will be well rested compared to their opponents, which will give them more energy that will help them bring the title back to Northeast Ohio. It’s also interesting to see if other teams will follow suit, as it could be the difference which has made it possible for the Cavs to be reach their recent run of success.
