With a 64-18 report in 2024-25, the Cavaliers had the #1 seed within the Japanese Convention playoffs. Within the first spherical, Cleveland swept the Miami Warmth 4-0.
The Cavaliers had been matched up in opposition to the Pacers within the convention semi-finals. Nevertheless, accidents modified the complexion of the sequence for Cleveland. Darius Garland missed 4 consecutive video games with a toe harm. Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter missed Sport 2 with accidents. On prime of the accidents that piled up, the Pacers had extra grit and dedication than the Cavaliers. Shedding 4-1 within the convention semi-finals is a particularly disappointing finish to Cleveland’s season.
The place did all of it go incorrect for the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Donovan Mitchell on why he got here again out after the sport:
“Simply couldn’t consider it. Nonetheless don’t wanna consider it. I like taking part in in that fucking enviornment man. That power, that crowd. Misplaced 3 at house, let the town down. This place is de facto particular.” 💔
pic.twitter.com/MgntilCCXu— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) Could 14, 2025
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst did a radio hit forward of Sport 5 on Tuesday. He mentioned how accidents actually performed a think about why the Cavs didn’t advance to the convention finals. Nevertheless, he pointed to 1 second within the sequence that modified every part. Cleveland had a multiple-possession lead with lower than a minute left in Sport 2 vs. the Pacers. Nevertheless, the Cavs fumbled the sport away and misplaced 120-119. They wasted a 48-point efficiency from Donovan Michell.
Not solely did the Cavs lose Sport 2, however that put them down 2-0 to start out the sequence. That’s the second Brian Windhorst believes all of it went incorrect for Cleveland. The group was not at full energy that sport. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter had been out with accidents. The NBA insider defined how you can not let playoff video games slip away when your group just isn’t absolutely wholesome. Cleveland did the other of that on the finish of Sport 2.
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson famous that his group didn’t match the “physicality” and “depth” of the Pacers. Indiana dominated this sequence from begin to end, and that’s why they’re within the Japanese Convention Finals. Regardless of being the #1 seed within the East, Cleveland’s season ends in disappointment. The Cavaliers have sustained common season success however they nonetheless are attempting to recover from the hump within the playoffs.
