The Cleveland Cavaliers’ journey from respectable playoff contender to Eastern Conference powerhouse has raised eyebrows and rekindled championship dreams in a city hungry for another title.
With days remaining in the regular season, the Cavs are about to secure what once seemed improbable, landing the top seed in the East for the first time since LeBron James led them to a historic championship in 2016.
This remarkable ascent hasn’t gone unnoticed in league circles, with the team maintaining its lofty status in the power rankings.
“A familiar top 5 as we head into the final week of the season,” the NBA wrote on X.
A familiar top 5 as we head into the final week of the season 👀
Read @johnschuhmann's latest NBA App Power Rankings breakdown below!
📰: https://t.co/k5e3KCckbP pic.twitter.com/mVGQgdmQPo
— NBA (@NBA) April 7, 2025
The rankings by John Schuhmann, the advanced stats writer for NBA.com, show the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 1 followed by the Cavaliers at No. 2.
The defending champion Boston Celtics hold the third position, while the surging Houston Rockets and surprisingly resilient Golden State Warriors round out the top five.
Despite their standing, the Cavaliers have shown moments of vulnerability recently.
After escaping with a narrow victory at the San Antonio Spurs, they stumbled at home with a loss to the Sacramento Kings.
What makes this Cleveland team different from previous iterations is its foundation.
Built through a mix of smart drafting and strategic trades, the Cavaliers have assembled a roster that balances homegrown talent like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro with established stars acquired via trade, including Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen.
The chemistry between these players has produced something greater than the sum of its parts, highlighted by their franchise-record 16-game winning streak that showcased how dangerous they can be when firing on all cylinders.
NEXT: Analyst Notes Big Concern About Cavs Since January 1st
