The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as the second-ranked team in the Eastern Conference, boasting an impressive 35-17 record. However, their journey to success was not without its challenges. Earlier in the season, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was on the verge of being dismissed from his position. Brian Windhorst, through Hoops Wire, revealed that Bickerstaff’s job security was hanging by a thread, with just a few unfortunate days and games separating him from unemployment. The Cavaliers’ decision to retain Bickerstaff despite the rough patch is now paying off.
It would have been understandable if the Cleveland front office had chosen to part ways with Bickerstaff a few months ago. The team started the season with a mediocre 13-12 record, consistently losing games that they could have won. Their performance did not reflect that of a true playoff contender, and doubts arose regarding Donovan Mitchell’s commitment to the team. Matters worsened when Darius Garland and Evan Mobley suffered severe injuries, forcing them to sit out for several weeks. At that point, many believed that the season was lost and that the Cavaliers were destined to collapse.
However, the team defied expectations and embarked on an impressive 11-2 run in January. Bickerstaff’s leadership during this period earned him the title of Eastern Conference Coach of the Month, a remarkable achievement considering his recent brush with unemployment. If the Cavaliers can maintain their current level of play, Bickerstaff may even be in contention for Coach of the Year.
Nevertheless, the road ahead is not without its challenges for Cleveland. The team has not won a playoff series since 2018 and suffered an embarrassing first-round exit at the hands of the New York Knicks last year. While the Cavaliers are pleased with their progress, they are well aware that there is still much work to be done. The outcome of this season remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Bickerstaff will be at the helm, guiding the team through whatever lies ahead.
According to the Source thecoldwire.com