The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t start the season in the best way but they have really turned things around and surged towards the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
What is it that has allowed the team to push through multiple major injuries and a deeply competitive conference?
Georges Niang spoke with CBS Sports about a major factor that helped the team get on track.
“Everybody’s happy,” Niang said to James Herbert.
He added: “Everybody touches the ball, the ball is moving. Guys have the freedom to make plays, but also know when it’s time to play the right way and get a great shot when a team is going on a run. So it’s been awesome. I just think we’re focused on continuing to build.”
Two months ago, the Cavs announced two of their best players needed surgery. Since then they’ve gone 23-5 — they found their identity while shorthanded and kept rolling once whole.
“Everybody's happy. Everybody touches the ball, the ball is moving.” https://t.co/8MyYlfc71t
— James Herbert (@outsidethenba) February 15, 2024
A team cannot function well unless the players work together cohesively and that is very hard to do if everyone isn’t happy.
But, according to Niang, the Cavaliers are feeling very good playing with one another and love to be side-by-side with their teammates.
The entire roster has come together and there are many players who are doing quite well.
Although Donovan Mitchell might be Cleveland’s biggest star, others like Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, Sam Merrill, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and others have stepped up throughout the season.
It really is a team effort.
The other night, the Cavaliers beat the Chicago Bulls even though the team’s four top scorers were out of commission, a testament to just how great this team works together.
They have found a lot of fantastic chemistry even when the rest of the league counted them out and it’s making them play successful – and happy – basketball.
NEXT: Analyst Blames LeBron James For A Potential Cavs Departure
