Late Monday, as Kenny Atkinson began his postgame news conference following Cleveland’s win over Charlotte, the embattled Cavs coach let slip a smile. It’s been a rough few weeks for the Cavaliers, 3–8 since late November and entered the game against the Hornets losers of three straight. Criticism of the makeup of the roster, of the viability of Cleveland’s All-Star backcourt, of Atkinson, the reigning Coach of the Year, had begun to build. Boos have rained down from the ordinarily supportive Cleveland crowd. Monday night’s win quieted those complaints—for now.
Before we get into what’s wrong with the Cavs, we should note that there isn’t a four-alarm fire in Cleveland. These aren’t Milwaukee Bucks–like problems or an L.A. Clippers–level meltdown. Despite the recent skid, The Cavaliers are 16–14, seventh in the Eastern Conference but just 2.5 games behind Boston for third. They are 10th in offensive rating and 15th in defense, rankings well off of last season but far from alarming.
