The Cleveland Cavaliers won 64 games in the regular season and swept their way through the first round of the playoffs.
They were projected to be an NBA Finals team or at least make it to the Eastern Conference finals.
That’s when the Indiana Pacers came knocking and disaster struck.
That’s why, after watching Rick Carlisle’s team dominate the New York Knicks and punch their ticket to the NBA Finals, Bruce Drennan wondered whether Cavs fans felt any better now (via Bruce Drennan Show):
“Hey, Cavs fans. Does it make you feel any better that Indiana’s on the verge of eliminating New York and representing the Eastern Conference for the NBA Championship? I know, not really, but they are impressive,” Drennan said.
#Cavs fans, if Indiana wins this series against New York do you feel better or worse about the loss? #LetEmKnow
"I know, not really. But they are impressive."
Presented by @drinkgaragebeer https://t.co/UsJc4UIIVX pic.twitter.com/0xuFf9IT2i
— Bruce Drennan Show (@Bruce_Drennan) May 31, 2025
Granted, the Pacers deserve their flowers for the way they’ve played to close out the season and in the playoffs.
No one can take anything away from them, and they also made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, so perhaps they’re much better and more of a contender than most people give them credit for.
Nevertheless, that shouldn’t make anybody feel better.
If anything, it might even make them feel worse.
The Pacers are a deep and talented team, but they might not be as deep or as talented as, say, the Cavaliers.
They play with more ambition, fire, and determination, which is a big contrast to the Cavs in the playoffs.
Of course, some teams need to go through growing pains and heartbreak before being ready to take things to the next level in the postseason.
But this group has had its fair share of tough times in the postseason, so perhaps they might not be cut out to thrive in the playoffs.
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