The Cleveland Cavaliers won their biggest game of the season when they rallied back from a 22-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics.
They made a big statement, proving that they can hold their own vs. the best teams in the league, and that includes the defending NBA champions.
Even so, Brian Windhorst believes they’re not the favorites.
Talking on ESPN Cleveland’s “The Really Big Show,” the renowned insider stated that the Celtics are still the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
"My assessment of where the East is, Boston is still the favorite, but it's tight…they have trouble with Donovan Mitchell," – @WindhorstESPN on the Cavs and Celtics. pic.twitter.com/P3xpB832Yc
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) March 4, 2025
Nevertheless, he also thinks that the Cavs sent the right message.
Per Windhorst, that win will make them believe that they can absolutely take down the Celtics in a seven-game playoff series if it comes down to it.
He also thinks that the Celtics have some serious trouble containing Donovan Mitchell.
He pointed out that the Celtics have issues keeping their focus, and that could also hurt them come playoff time.
The Celtics looked like an absolute juggernaut early in the game vs. the Cavs.
Kenny Atkinson kept his team focused and even-keeled, and they got back in the game one stop and one bucket at a time.
The Cavs are now 50-10 for the season, and that record obviously includes some wins against the best teams in the league.
Also, by adding Javonte Green and De’Andre Hunter, they have two great defenders to match up with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, which is something they lacked in the first three meetings of the season.
The Cavs might not be the odds-on favorites, but they’re certainly the better team right now.
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