The Cavs are surging behind LeBron
The Cavs are surging behind the MVP worthy efforts of LeBron James. The team has won 10 of its last 12 games, which includes a 110-108 loss at the hands of the Phoenix Suns that probably should have been a Cavs win. The fact that this recent surge is taking place right before the all-star break bodes well for the team. With injuries to Sasha Pavlovic and, as of last night, Anderson Verajao – who are both intricate to the team's success – some time off seems imperative in order to transfer the recent success into the second half of the season.
The hard fought victory over the Lakers last night further demonstrated the prowess and dexterity of LeBron James’ game. More so it was, in a sense, a corroboration of his ability to further improve his overall game. Two specific sequences come to mind: one on offense, one on defense. First, a resolute defensive stop in a one-on-one battle with Kobe Bryant. Second, a clutch shot in the waning moments of the game, again in a one-on-one battle with Bryant. Both sequences came against the best player in the NBA, especially at coming out on top of the same situations in which LeBron beat him out. This shows continuing growth in important areas of LeBron’s game. That is surely a scary concept for the rest of league.
With a wide-open Eastern conference, and with the Western conference boasting new teams in the mix, the Cavs are again putting themselves in a good position to fight for the championship. It is far too early to talk about the NBA finals, but it is encouraging to see the Cavs playing like the defending Eastern conference champions. And it is a treat to watch LeBron James playing at the top of his game.