The Cleveland Cavaliers have been playing very well so far this season despite the change at head coach from David Blatt to Tyronn Lue. What five takeaways can be seen from the first half of the 2015-16 NBA season for the Cavaliers?
1. Cleveland Is Still the Best Team in the Eastern Conference
Heading into the All-Star break with a 38-14 record, which is good enough for first place in the Eastern Conference. They are still the team to beat in the East, which was expected coming into the season. Cleveland will make their second straight apperance in the NBA Finals if they play up to their full potential throughout the remainder of the season.
2. LeBron James Has to Figure Out His Three-Point Shot
One major concern for LeBron James this season has been his three-point shooting. He is currently shooting 27.7 percent from behind the three-point arc, which isn't going to get the job done. James has to figure out his three-point shot moving forward in the second half of the season.
3. Tyronn Lue Is a Much Better Fit for Cleveland than David Blatt
When the Cavaliers fired David Blatt, the initial reaction was negative around the league. He had led the Cavaliers to an NBA Finals appearance last season, but the reasoning for the move is becoming obvious. Tyronn Lue is a much better fit on the sidelines and has a great connection with the players, which is slowly helping the Cavaliers reach their full potential.
4. Cleveland Is Much More Dangerous when Kyrie Irving is Aggressive
While the Cavaliers do have the luxury of having LeBron James on their side, they are a much better team when Kyrie Irving is aggressive. He is one of the most gifted ball-handlers in the NBA and has shown the ability to score the basketball with ease. Not having him in the NBA Finals last year against the Warriors hurt in a big way, but if he can stay healthy this season he gives his team a good chance.
5. The Cavaliers Need Their Front-Court to Step Up
Last season, the Cavaliers were very happy with the production that they received from Tristan Thompson and Timofey Mozgov in the front-court. This season has been a different story. Thompson has played decently, but Mozgov has struggled and the Cavaliers need their front-court to step up in the second half of the season.
What did you think of the Cavaliers throughout the first half of the season? Let us know in the comment box below!
