If you’ve been watching the Cleveland Cavaliers last 5 games, you probably feel like you’re on a rollercoaster that was designed by a madman. One night they look like they could dismantle the 1996 Bulls, and the next, they’re letting a lottery-bound team treat them like a layup line.
Honestly, it’s exhausting.
But Wednesday night in Philly? That was something else.
The Cavs didn't just win; they absolutely vaporized the 76ers 133-107. We’re talking about 41 assists on 50 made baskets. That’s the kind of ball movement that makes Kenny Atkinson look like a genius. But before we get too high on that win, we have to look at the schizophrenia of the previous four games. This team is 23-19 and sitting 7th in the East, and yet, I still don't know who they actually are.
The Brutal Reality of the Cleveland Cavaliers last 5 games
Let’s look at the tape. Or the box scores, if you're like me and obsess over the splits.
The stretch started with a gritty 120-116 win over the Pacers. Then things got weird. They headed to Minnesota and got handled 131-122. Okay, fine, the Wolves are tough. But then the Wolves came to Cleveland two days later, and the Cavs exploded for 146 points. 146! Jaylon Tyson was hitting everything, and Evan Mobley looked like a man possessed.
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Then came the Utah game.
Losing 123-112 to a Jazz team that had just lost by 55 points is, quite frankly, embarrassing. Jarrett Allen even admitted afterward that the team has a "mental thing" regarding preparation. It's that classic "playing down to your competition" trap that has plagued Cleveland all season.
The Breakdown
- Jan 14 @ PHI: W 133-107 (The "Are we back?" game)
- Jan 12 vs UTA: L 112-123 (The "What just happened?" game)
- Jan 10 vs MIN: W 146-134 (The offensive masterclass)
- Jan 08 @ MIN: L 122-131 (The defensive disappearing act)
- Jan 06 @ IND: W 120-116 (The grind-it-out road win)
Is Evan Mobley finally the "Alpha" we wanted?
There’s been a lot of talk about Evan Mobley's ceiling. People say he's too passive. They say he's a "connector" but not a "closer."
Well, look at the Philly game. 17 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks. He is the first player in Cavs franchise history to hit those specific numbers in multiple games. When Mobley is aggressive, the whole geometry of the court changes. He’s not just sitting in the dunker spot anymore; he’s facilitating from the elbow and swatting shots like he's at a fly-swatting convention.
The problem? He needs to do it every night.
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In the loss to Utah, he was okay, but he didn't impose his will. If Cleveland is going to escape the Play-In Tournament—where they currently sit—Mobley has to be the most dangerous person on the floor for 35 minutes a night.
The Darius Garland Factor (and the injury bug)
We have to talk about the "great toe soreness."
Darius Garland was absolutely cooking the Sixers—20 points and 7 assists in basically a half—before he had to exit with a foot injury. It's the story of the Cavs' season. Every time they find a rhythm, someone goes down.
Donovan Mitchell is carrying a massive load right now, putting up 35 in Philly and 34 on New Year's Eve against the Suns. He's been the bedrock. But if Garland misses extended time, the bench—specifically guys like Tyrese Proctor and Craig Porter Jr.—is going to have to step up in a way they haven't consistently done yet.
Kenny Atkinson’s system relies on "Cavs Basketball," which is basically code for "don't let the ball stick." When Garland is out, the ball tends to stay in Spida’s hands a lot longer. It works because Mitchell is a superstar, but it’s not the sustainable, 41-assist-night brand of basketball that wins in May.
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What's Next for the Wine and Gold?
The Cavs stay in Philadelphia for a rematch tonight. It’s a weird scheduling quirk of the modern NBA, but it’s a massive test. Can they maintain that intensity, or will they fall back into the "sluggish" habits Jarrett Allen mentioned after the Utah loss?
They follow that up with a massive game against OKC on Monday. If they can go 3-2 or 4-1 over their next stretch, they’ll start putting pressure on the Magic and Sixers for those 5th and 6th seeds.
Actionable Insights for Cavs Fans:
- Watch the first quarter tonight: If the Cavs aren't leading or tied by the end of the first 12 minutes, they usually struggle to find that "mental" switch Jarrett Allen talked about.
- Keep an eye on the assist total: When this team hits 30+ assists, they are nearly unbeatable. If it stays in the low 20s, it means the offense has stalled into 1-on-1 ball.
- Monitor the injury report: Garland's toe isn't a "major" injury, but foot issues for a shifty guard are always tricky.
The talent is there. The coaching is there. Now they just need to decide if they want to be a serious contender or a team that’s content with "mental" excuses.