The Cleveland Cavaliers have shown since the start of the season that they are one the best teams in the league this year. They received more validation from that statement in the latest game after defeating the Chicago Bulls 135-113 and securing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs now have the home-court advantage through the playoffs in the East.
Everyone in Cleveland seems to be excited about the Cavs clinching the No. 1 seed, including owner Dan Gilbert, who shared a message on X, formerly Twitter, about the recent accomplishment.
“Congratulations, Cleveland. Your Cavs have clinched the #1 seed in the East. Next up… the playoffs. We’re just getting started. LFG,” Gilbert wrote.
The Cavs might actually just be getting started, and there’s a good chance that they can make a deep playoff run with the squad they have. It’s not going to be easy, with some of the top teams in the Eastern Conference having what it takes to make that same deep run to the NBA Finals. People are still trying to put their faith in the Cavs, and all year, they’ve shown up and shown out on both sides of the ball.
Cavs clinch No. 1 seed in East
The Cavs had a chance to reach 70 wins this season but weren’t able to get enough wins in the end. Getting over 60 wins is still an accomplishment, and it helped them clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Weeks ago, Donovan Mitchell shared the reality of the goals the Cavs set since getting 70 wins seemed farfetched.
“You want to be healthy and playing the right way. If that comes with it then, yeah, (clinching the No. 1 overall seed matters). We’re competitors, and we want to be the best of the best. But at the end of the day, we want to be healthy, playing the right way and taking these tests, and if we don’t (finish ahead of Oklahoma City), then we don’t,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell has been the engine of the team this season, but it hasn’t just been him that put them in this position they’re in. Darius Garland is having one of his better seasons in the league and has helped Mitchell in the backcourt. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have been on the most dominant frontcourts in the league, which has led Mobley to be in consideration for Defensive Player of the Year.
It will be interesting to see if they can keep this momentum going into the postseason.
