The Cleveland Cavaliers have claimed a spot in the playoffs for the 2022-23 NBA season. Solidifying a playoff spot with a win over the Houston Rockets. This is a long time coming for many Cavaliers fans who have not witnessed their team have this opportunity since 2018. This Cavaliers’ playoff berth and run will be different than past ones because of the core potential of this team. Above all this is just the first step of many for this team to reach its potential.

Cleveland Cavaliers Clinches Playoff Berth

As stated before the Cavaliers’ playoff berth was clinched with a win over the Houston Rockets. Cleveland needed one of two scenarios to clinch. However, they had both scenarios happen which were a win over the Rockets and a Brooklyn Nets loss. A season ago the Cavs made the play-in tournament as an eighth seed. However, Cleveland lost both tournament games to the then-Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving-led Nets. As well as the Atlanta Hawks. It is important to realize that the Cavaliers had a terrific season but suffered major injuries to key players towards the end of last season. In that case, Cleveland acquired Donovan Mitchell to help elevate this team and limit the same mistakes made a season ago.

Significant Playoff Appearance

For the Cavaliers, this playoff appearance will be significant because it’s the first time in 20 years this franchise will make the postseason without Lebron James. The last time they made the playoffs in 2018 it ended in a trip to the finals. The last time the postseason was reached without James was the 1997-98 season. This is a big accomplishment but not the end of the road. It is simply the first step of many of the roads to success.

Step In The Right Direction

The Cavaliers’ playoff berth this season is a significant step in the right direction. Cavs guard Mitchell is excited about the playoffs but in other words, he says “You want to appreciate every step along the way and it’s definitely a blessing,” Cavs All-Star guard Mitchell said. “I don’t want to downplay the moment. But in the same token, and I told the guys in there, this is what you come to expect. You made your first one, appreciate it, enjoy it, and celebrate it for the city, for the organization, and for your individual guys who have made it, but at the same token, three seed is in play. That’s the goal. That’s the focus. We should come to a point now where that’s what is expected of us — making the playoffs and continuously pushing forward.” (Cleveland.com)

In addition Cavaliers’ head coach J.B Bickerstaff stated “I think organizationally this is a big deal to come from where we came from and every year continue to take steps in the right direction,” said Cavs coach Bickerstaff. “All the hard work that people in this organization have put in to help get us here should be acknowledged. This is top-down. This is something that has been done as a collective. We told the guys to enjoy this, but we ain’t done yet.” (Cleveland.com)

Three Seed Still In Play

The Cavaliers can still potentially secure the third playoff seeding in the east. They are 2.5 games behind the Philadelphia 76ers who have some tough matchups still to come. Cleveland is trying to finish strong as they have won four of their last six games. This young Cavaliers team is trying to be the best version of themselves while also continuing to grow and learn. The best experience is live action and a season ago they experienced the play-in tournament. Now, this season they will experience NBA playoff basketball.

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