The Cleveland Cavaliers are the best team in basketball right now.
At least, that’s what the numbers say.
They rank in the top three in offensive efficiency and top ten in defensive efficiency, and they’re more than 30 games above .500.
That’s why people finally have to give them their flowers and talk about them as the NBA championship contenders they are.
Notably, that includes national media, which often overlooks these kinds of small market teams.
With that in mind, Shaquille O’Neal tipped his hat to Kenny Atkinson’s team, talking about how proud he was of them and how well they’re playing (via NBA on TNT).
"Your best players have to play the best" 🗣️
The Fellas talked a potential Cleveland-Boston ECF matchup 👀 pic.twitter.com/hePYqLvlWH
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 21, 2025
Nevertheless, he’s still a little worried about them and their chances in the playoffs.
While he acknowledges that they’re a great team and believes that Donovan Mitchell can be a good performer, he’s worried about how they might respond against teams like the Boston Celtics.
Shaq argues that the Celtics have several players who can step up even when their top dogs aren’t at their best.
Of course, one could argue the same for the Cavs.
Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have had big nights, even if they’re not offensive-orientated players.
They’ve also had big games from Ty Jerome, and De’Andre Hunter gives them another floor-spacer and streaky shooter.
It won’t be easy, and mental strength plays a huge part in getting the monkey off a team’s back.
But from a basketball perspective, they have everything they need to get past any team in the league right now.
NEXT: Analyst Says 1 Cavs Player's Clutch Numbers Are 'Incredible'
