For years, the Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled to hold their own against more physical teams.
That has been a constant issue in the playoffs when referees allow the players to play through contact a little more.
Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland haven’t been at their best when they’ve had to run through screens or earn their points from the charity stripe, and that’s a big concern going forward.
Nevertheless, analyst Spencer German doesn’t agree with that notion.
Talking on 92.3 The Fan, German claimed that he would just have to live with the fact that other people think the Cavs are soft even though they’re not.
"I just get sick of this narrative about them not being tough, physical. I guess I just have to concede at this point that there's going to always be somebody ready to say that the #Cavs aren't a tough team"
➡️ @Spencito_ and @EarldaPearl216
🔊 Listen: https://t.co/Z4MtS9xrRJ pic.twitter.com/IvxitfAUZh
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) March 22, 2025
To be fair, Kenny Atkinson’s team has had a different attitude this season.
They haven’t shied away from contact, and they’ve been much more physical on both ends of the floor.
Then again, until they prove they can be and beat that kind of team in a seven-game series, people will continue to spread that narrative about them.
Evan Mobley’s newly found aggressiveness has been key to unlocking this team’s potential on both ends of the floor.
While Jarrett Allen isn’t a bruiser, he’s a strong presence below and above the rim.
The biggest key will most likely be whether Garland and Mitchell can stay sharp and aggressive in a playoff setting.
And while this four-game losing streak might not be the best time to be optimistic, the way this team has fared all year long is more than enough to give them the benefit of the doubt.
NEXT: Key Cavs Player Is Questionable For Game Against Jazz
