After more than 50 games and the All-Star break, the Cleveland Cavaliers may finally start receiving some attention from national television.
Kenny Atkinson’s team is the top seed in the Eastern Conference, and it seems like ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith had some time to watch the tape.
On Wednesday’s edition of “First Take,” the controversial pundit claimed that the Cavaliers are legitimate NBA championship contenders right now.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers, I’m watching them because the more I look at them, the more I think they’re gonna be in the NBA Finals… you cannot summarily dismiss them. … They look like they can beat anybody. Anybody,” he said.
"The Cleveland Cavaliers, I'm watching them because the more I look at them, the more I think they're gonna be in the NBA Finals… you cannot summarily dismiss them. … They look like they can beat anybody. Anybody!"
—Stephen A. Smithpic.twitter.com/91S9KaqqAg
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 19, 2025
The Cavaliers have been atop the NBA leaderboards for most of the season.
Despite not having a clear-cut top-ten player in the league, they currently rank in the top ten in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
They have one of the most well-balanced cores of players, and they might have a valid case for having a top-five starting lineup in the league.
Donovan Mitchell is an explosive three-level scorer and a proven playoff performer who can go off on any given night.
Darius Garland’s court-vision and shooting efficiency are top-notch, and he’s been much more aggressive this season.
That’s also the case with Evan Mobley and his newly-found scoring touch from deep to complement his elite defense.
Jarrett Allen can dominate both ends of the glass, and he’s the team’s defensive anchor below the rim.
Now, adding De’Andre Hunter gives them the athletic 3-and-D wing they needed to take yet another leap in the East.
It took way longer than it should’ve, but the world has finally taken notice of Kenny Atkinson’s team.
NEXT: Cavs Are Heavily Favored To Land No. 1 Seed In East
