CLEVELAND — It’s been a banner and record-setting season for the Cavaliers. You probably already knew that, given their 49-10 record entering Sunday’s afternoon home game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
It’s great for fans and the organization overall. But as for the Cavs themselves? Well, they’re got bigger fish to fry.
Anyway, if the season ended at this very moment, the Cavs would be the No. 1 seed. Not just in the Eastern Conference, but in the entire playoffs. So if they reached the Finals, they would have the home-court edge there, too.
But hey, there are 20-something games to go. It’s too soon for that talk. And when it is time, that talk still probably won’t be had by the Cavaliers.
“We’re aware, but it’s not a topic of conversation,” coach Kenny Atkinson said prior to Sunday’s game. “We’re extremely process-oriented. I don’t talk about winning, for instance.”
Atkinson then broke out a line from legendary former NFL coach Bill Walsh.
“The results take care of themselves,” Atkinson said. “The results are happening because these guys are doing what we’re emphasizing.”
That’s not to say the Cavs don’t have the playoffs in their sights and on their minds. At the very least, those thoughts do linger.
“Right now, there’s a sense of urgency,” Atkinson said. “Our playoff focus is now, our playoff prep starts now. Maybe other teams can take their foot off the gas. We can’t do that.”
The Cavs had won nine straight entering Sunday. After the Trail Blazers, they visit the Chicago Bulls (on Tuesday), before stopping back home to host the Miami Heat the next night.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
