Insider Sounds Off On Cavs’ Lack Of Mental Toughness

The Cleveland Cavaliers say they believe in themselves, and they claim their mental game is top-notch and better than the rest of the league.

If that’s the case, why do they keep having trouble getting through the NBA playoffs?

Writing for Cleveland.com, Ethan Sands claimed the Cavaliers aren’t nearly as mentally tough as they should be.

“Mental toughness isn’t a stat you can track. It’s not a film session you can teach. It has to come from within. And right now, the Cavaliers don‘t have enough of it coursing through the roster,” Sands wrote. “You have to want it more than the guy in front of you. This group’s biggest battle isn’t with the Pacers or Celtics or anyone else in the East. It’s with themselves. And belief is no longer optional.”

Sands doesn’t feel the team “wants it” as much as their opponents, which is something fans said during their series against the Indiana Pacers.

From the very first game, it just looked like the Pacers were more engaged, more driven, and more energetic on both ends of the court.

Of course, mental toughness doesn’t tell the whole story because the Cavaliers once again had to battle with injuries that made their lives much harder.

But there is a growing chorus of fans saying that something from inside the team needs to change.

They were the best team in the Eastern Conference all season and should have viewed themselves as a squad that could take down anyone.

According to Sands and some fans, something isn’t right with the team’s culture and motivation, and that will have to change if they ever wish to reach the Finals again.