Following two strong performances with the four newest members of their team in a revamped lineup, the Cleveland Cavaliers enter the All-Star break on a four-game winning streak. The confidence boost and dramatic change in the atmosphere that’s been delivered by the players that were acquired were cited by LeBron James on social media, specifically focusing on guard Jordan Clarkson.
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Clarkson has scored 31 points in his two games with the Cavaliers, connecting on 13-of-21 from the field. Perhaps more importantly, he’s brought back a swagger that had seemingly disappeared from the Cavs over the past month. The above photo from Tuesday night’s win in Oklahoma City is similar to the image of the guard during Sunday’s rout of the Boston Celtics, when a long-range bomb by Clarkson gave the Cavs their biggest lead of the game.
Prior to the two deals, the Cavaliers had been wallowing in a six-week malaise that had many experts predicting that the team would fail to reach the NBA Finals for a fourth consecutive year. In addition, the inner conflict connected to some players, most notably former point guard Isaiah Thomas, would have likely ended up causing the team to commence with a rebuilding project.
The Cavaliers will now be off until Feb. 22, when they resume play against the Washington Wizards at Quicken Loans Arena. The mood that James referenced will no doubt be even more energized on that night, since the contest will mark the first home game since Clarkson and the other players were acquired.
