The Cleveland Cavaliers have been doubted and overlooked for most of the season.
Despite having the best record in all of basketball, most of the narrative around them was that they had an easy schedule and weren’t as good as the numbers said.
Notably, that’s not the case anymore.
Following their nationally televised win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Cavs finally started receiving the recognition they deserved.
As such, Sam Amico believes they will have a target on their back going forward.
The renowned insider discussed the shift in the narrative on Full Court Cleveland, adding that this team would absolutely love to be in that position.
The Cavs have the Pacers twice in three days, and leading the Eastern Conference means having your guard up at all times. #LetEmKnow
"They're gonna have a target on their back, and I think they love that."
– @AmicoHoops pic.twitter.com/YlBTkbX1XA
— Full Court Cleveland (@FullCourtCLE) January 11, 2025
The Cavs are no longer the hunters; they’re the hunted.
Needless to say, that also comes with some big responsibilities.
They know everybody will be going for them, meaning they will get the opposition’s best effort night in and night out.
Of course, iron sharpens iron, so that should do wonders in their preparation for the postseason.
There’s still plenty of basketball left to be played this season, and while keeping this pace up won’t be easy for the Cavaliers, they’ve already proven that their strong start to the season wasn’t fluky at all.
Barring injuries or an unprecedented collapse, Kenny Atkinson’s team should be in possession of one of the higher seeds in the Eastern Conference.
That’s why approaching the whole season with a playoff-like mentality will prepare them for when it matters most.
NEXT: Key Cavs Player Is Doubtful For Pacers Game
