The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the best team in the league this season, and it hasn’t been particularly close.
As such, it only makes sense that they also become the first team to clinch a playoff spot.
As shown by NBA Communications on X, a win on Wednesday night can do that.
The Cavaliers can become the first team to clinch a playoff spot if they win tonight. Cleveland takes on Miami at 7 p.m. ET on @ESPNNBA. pic.twitter.com/SuZ8rZ1YWI
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 5, 2025
The Cavaliers will square off vs. the Miami Heat, aiming to get their 52nd win of the regular season and, with it, a playoff berth.
At the very least, the Cavs have already secured a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
Reaching 52 wins would ensure that they can’t finish the season lower than the No. 6 seed, thus giving them at least one seven-game playoff series.
NBA legend Phil Jackson had the 40-20 rule to determine whether a team was a legitimate threat to go the distance and win an NBA championship.
It stated that teams needed to win 40 games before losing 20 to be considered an actual NBA championship contender.
At this rate, Kenny Atkinson’s team might not even lose 20 games all season.
They’re on pace to have the greatest single record in franchise history, and they might also set a new mark for the most road wins in a single season in franchise history.
Not many people saw this turnaround taking place so quickly, especially considering that they didn’t make many moves in the offseason.
With a win on Wednesday, coach Atkinson and the team will have a couple of months to stay healthy and focus on the playoffs.
NEXT: Stats Show How Dominant Cavs Have Been On The Road
