Cavs can clinch first Central title without LeBron since 1975-76 by beating Nets

It’s only a matter of time before the Cavaliers clinch the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and perhaps the entire NBA playoffs. But hey, small steps.

One of those will be taken if the Cavs (54-10) can beat the Brooklyn Nets at home on Tuesday. With a win, they will be wearing the label of “Central Division Champs.” It will mark the eighth time in history they’ve sported such a moniker.

As it stands, Cleveland holds a 17.5-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks (36-27) with 18 to go. So again, the Cavaliers will have won the Central by the end of the week, if not the end of the day.

What does it mean? Well, to people obsessed over NBA narratives, probably not a whole lot. It probably doesn’t mean a lot to the coaching staff and players, either.

But the NBA still has divisions and since it does, you may as well win it in this season full of accolades and accomplishments.

Oh, the Cavs can also win their 15th straight — for the second time this season. In summary, Cleveland fans are witnessing pro basketball history. How often do you get to say that?

My advice is always to enjoy the journey and focus on the playoffs when the playoffs arrive. Stressing out over moments, games and the future is no way to enjoy what this team has accomplished. It’s been truly remarkable.

And a Central Division title will be another massive get, as it will be the only one without LeBron James on the team since 1975-76. That’s progress and a franchise that should be tons of fun for years to come.

For the record, here are all the Cavaliers’ Central Division titles: 1975–76, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17 and 2017–18.