5. Greater Focus
Since it’s a rarity for two NBA teams to play each other in back-to-back games, coaching staffs don’t spend a great deal of time breaking down opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. During the postseason, a series can last up to two weeks, which gives any staff plenty of time to find opposing areas to exploit.
The Cavs’ coaching staff and their veteran players will have that time to zero in on the flaws of the teams they’re playing. In the Cavaliers’ case, they can look at previous losses to those teams and spot issues that can be addressed over the course of a series.
The Bottom Line
Having a roster that’s been in flux all season long has resulted in the Cavs trying to adapt to frequent changes on the fly. That can help create a chaotic presence, yet the Cavaliers have still managed to compile a 47-26 record this season. Prior to the recent defensive breakdowns, the team has shown its ability to clamp down on teams when necessary.
Giving Tyronn Lue and his staff enough time to fix those flaws and letting James and his band of veterans focus on their goal, the chances of repeating as NBA champions still remain within reach. There’s no guarantee that the Cavs can reach their third consecutive finals, but given the above factors, there’s also no reason to panic over their ability to at least get that chance.
