A four-game win streak does not often equal a success story in the NBA. But given the turbulence the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the last month or so, this run of success -- and the fuel behind it -- is something they'll gladly take.
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The Cavs took down the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-112 last night, marking a second straight victory against a contending-level team (they also blew out the Boston Celtics on Sunday.) Those last two wins have been telling in a sense as they have come with George Hill, Larry Nance Jr., Rodney Hood and Jordan Clarkson -- all players the Cavs acquired at the trade deadline -- playing major roles.
Such was the case last night, as that quartet combined for 48 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in the victory. Afterward, both coach Tyronn Lue and star LeBron James (who had 37 points, eight rebounds and eight assists) were singing the praises of the new faces. Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com has more:
“They exceeded my expectations,” Lue said.
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“I thought that we’ve got guys that can shoot, dribble and pass and they can make plays,” Lue said. “It’s changed our team, and we’re a lot faster. Now I think we’ve got a chance to switch a lot of things with our size and our length, we can switch stuff defensively. I thought it would be a process, it’s still going to be a process. But the first two games I didn’t think they would not be decent.”
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"Well, I think [GM] Koby [Altman] did a heck of a job of understanding what our team needed," James said. "It just wasn't working out for us, and he felt like -- obviously, you guys saw his quotes -- he made the changes that he felt best fits our team. Then it's on me to make sure the new guys that come in. I make sure they fit in and make it as seamless as possible. That's my job. This is the third game in a row my voice is gone. And so, I'm just trying to have the communication at an all-time high for us, for the new guys and for the rest of the guys as well."
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"Right now I'm trying to fast track it and make sure that the new guys are always hearing me behind them on the defensive end and offensively they know where to go. So I'm just trying to do my part and lead them the best way I can."
