What a start to the season.
As I write this, the Cleveland Cavaliers are 8-1 with the Number Two record in the league. No LeBron. No Kyrie. And rocking a better record than the Warriors, Celtics, and Suns 9 games in.
As you might remember in my Cavs season preview, I had high hopes for Cleveland going into the season. A competitive run into the second round of the playoffs. But the Cavs have wildly exceeded expectations to start the year, seemingly unable to lose after their first game of the season. They have taken down defending Eastern Conference Champion Boston, as well as LeBron's Lakers, with no signs of slowing down.
What does it all mean?
If nothing else, it means that Cleveland has truly terrifying potential. It means that the Cavs organization has suddenly managed to put something together that has a real shot at contention against the big names in the league. It is all happening a little sooner than expected - but with the quality of last year's team injected with the electric blast of Donovan Mitchell, we shouldn't be surprised.
However, it is still early. Very early. With only 11% of games played, the team will undoubtedly face more injuries, shooting slumps, tough road trips, and all manner of adversity before the regular season is over.
But do the Cavs have the potential for a special season?
Yes, without a doubt, they do. Perhaps the most important part has not come now, but will come in seeing how they bounce back when a star goes down, or a losing skid threatens to take the wind out of their sails. The Cavs have proven their potential - now they have 73 more games to prove that greatness is not just possible, but to be expected.
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