The Cleveland Cavaliers reached the 50-win milestone yet again after clinching the Central Division title with a 123-109 win over the New York Knicks, despite the trials and tribulations this season has had to offer.
Injuries, unforeseen illnesses, the death of a loved one, rotation changes, and much more have been part of a choppy season that has taken a different course, yet LeBron James remains the only constant — perhaps even more effective than in the past, able to keep this team together through it all.
“I mean, listen, throughout a long season if you’re able to accomplish feats no matter what’s going on, you should always try to appreciate it, try to take time,” James said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I’ve been one, I’ve kind of like been a hypocrite [with] that because I’m always moving and trying to figure how we can be better the next day or whatever the case [might] be. So, it’s always hard for me to be like, ‘OK, another division crown.’ Even after all that’s gone on with our team and our ball club this year, but it’s a pretty cool thing.”
Head coach Tyronn Lue agreed with the sentiment, noting all the changes the organization has gone through, since the change of general manager to the Kyrie Irving trade, the shuffling of the pieces and even the plaguing injuries that have cut out any chance of continuity.
“It’s very special,” Lue said. “I think any time you can win your division and have home court in the first round I think it’s a good accomplishment, especially with everything we’ve been through this year. The guys just stuck with it and now we’re in position where we can tie our win total from last year.”
With only one game left, the Cavs will look to finish their season by winning seven of their last eight games, taking on the New York Knicks once more, this time in front of the home crowd at The Q.
