Hello, Cleveland

How one play tells us the Cavs are back, and will matter for a decade

BY DAVID THORPE

As possessions go, it seems rather forgettable. A blocked shot before a made basket by a team that ended up losing–no big whoop. But one play, late in a game on Sunday, convinced me the Cavaliers are back. 

The Cavaliers have won 60 games over the last three years combined. They are in the middle of the East standings, behind the Charlotte Hornets, and need to fight to make the playoffs. Maybe this seems silly to project. 

In theory, terrible teams get great draft pick slots and use them to climb back into relevance. In practice, it does not happen often. (The Pelicans, Wolves, and Kings know what I mean.) But thanks to some good draft fortune and a wise trade, the Cavs, without a top-two pick on the roster, are armed with the best 23-and-under trio, and look like a playoff team. They have a ton of upside. Buckle up Cavs fans, this decade is going to be a blast.

If I sound overzealous, it’s because I saw something in that fourth-quarter possession. Fearlessness, poise, ath…