CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Cavaliers are riding high after clinching the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a commanding 135-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. This win not only secures homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs but also marks a significant milestone in the franchise's history, as it is the fourth time the Cavaliers will enter the postseason with the best record in the conference.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson, who took over the team after last season, had set realistic goals during training camp, aiming for at least 50 wins and a top-three seed. However, the team has surpassed those expectations with an impressive 63-16 record, putting them in a prime position for a championship run.
“I think you celebrate these moments,” Atkinson said after the game. “It’s hard to be the first seed. We all know that. We are hungry for more.”
The Cavaliers' path to the top seed was not without its challenges. The team faced adversity this season, including a mid-season slump where they lost four straight games after a franchise-record win streak. Nevertheless, they rebounded strongly, winning seven of their last ten games leading up to the playoffs.
In the matchup against the Bulls, the Cavaliers showcased their offensive prowess, particularly in the second quarter, where they outscored Chicago 43-24. Darius Garland emerged as the star of the night, leading the Cavaliers with 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including six three-pointers. Garland, who had been struggling with his shooting in recent games, found his rhythm and was instrumental in the Cavaliers' success.
“It was good to see something go through the net,” Garland reflected postgame. “My teammates were on me to be myself. It was good to have one of these games for sure.”
Evan Mobley also had a standout performance, contributing 21 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, while Ty Jerome and De’Andre Hunter added 18 and 17 points, respectively, off the bench. The Cavaliers' depth was on full display, as they shot an impressive 51.0 percent from the field and an even more remarkable 50.0 percent from beyond the arc.
On the other side, the Bulls were significantly undermanned, missing key players including Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Nikola Vucevic. Despite this, Patrick Williams led Chicago with 21 points, but the team struggled to keep pace with the Cavaliers.
The victory not only solidified the Cavaliers' top seed but also set them up for a favorable playoff position. Their last championship run in 2016 came after they entered the playoffs as the top seed, and Atkinson's squad is eager to replicate that success.
Cleveland has three games remaining in the regular season, needing to win all three to match the franchise record for most victories in a season. They will face the Indiana Pacers on the road on Thursday, followed by a game against the New York Knicks on Friday, before returning home to host the Pacers again on Sunday.
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Cavaliers face the challenge of balancing rest and performance. Atkinson has hinted at the possibility of resting star guard Donovan Mitchell, who missed the game against the Bulls due to a sprained left ankle. Mitchell, who is averaging 24 points per game, is expected to be a crucial part of the Cavaliers' playoff push.
“I think there are various options on the table,” Atkinson said regarding the team's strategy leading into the postseason. “It’s going to be a collaborative thing and the players are part of it.”
As the Cavaliers prepare for their playoff run, expectations are high. Garland acknowledged the shift in mindset, stating, “It’s different because we’re the hunted now. So we always have to play our best, it doesn’t matter who it is or who it’s against. So I think that turns us up a notch.”
With their eyes set on the championship, the Cavaliers are ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead. Their strong finish to the regular season and their ability to perform under pressure will be key as they look to make a deep playoff run.
As the excitement builds in Cleveland, fans are hopeful that this could be the year the Cavaliers bring home another title. The team has proven they can rise to the occasion, and with a solid core of players and a strategic coach, the sky's the limit for this rejuvenated franchise.
