The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the best team in the league this season.
However, we’ve seen how quickly injuries can derail everything.
The NBA season is a long grind, so sometimes the healthiest team gets to the top.
The Cavs have been stung by the injury bug lately, and that has taken a toll on their ability to match up with big and physical teams like the Houston Rockets.
When asked about the adjustments they’ve had to make to make up for it, coach Kenny Atkinson shared a candid response (via Spencer Davies).
Before and after: Pregame, I asked Kenny Atkinson about the #Cavs combating bigger and more athletic matchups when his team is missing the guys who best exhibit those traits.
Postgame, he admitted itโs been difficult. pic.twitter.com/7kIqGvqcob
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) January 26, 2025
He claimed that as much as you need to evaluate everything and adapt and adjust, you never want to get too far away from what you’ve been doing and your core’s identity.
He also talked about gambling a little without trying to be either too conservative or too aggressive in trying new things.
Dean Wade was their latest addition to the injury report with a knee condition, and he’s already been ruled out from Monday’s game with the Detroit Pistons.
The same applies to Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert, each dealing with shoulder and wrist injuries, respectively.
We’ve already seen what this team is capable of when they’re at full strength.
Now, it’ll all be about making sure to stay healthy from this point to the finish line; otherwise, it will all be in vain.
NEXT: Cavs Have A Worrisome Defensive Stat In January
