LeBron James and the Cavs just might be able to contend against the Warriors

Alec Brzezinski

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LeBron James and the Cavs just might be able to contend against the Warriors image

Much has been said about what the Cavaliers can't do on the basketball court lately, but LeBron James helped remind people Saturday why the defending Eastern Conference champions are still a team to beat.

Despite losing the first quarter by 13 points, James scored a game-high 28 points with 11 rebounds and eight assists to lead Cleveland to a 120-103 win against the Celtics.

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When the Cavaliers lost to the Raptors last month and followed it up with a grueling loss against the Wizards, some started to question just how good this Cavs team really is. Point guard Kyrie Irving seemed unhappy, and Kevin Love started to lose cohesiveness with James again.

But Cleveland (44-17) has now won three straight games and is finally starting to look like a team that can contend against the Warriors.

Irving, who scored 20 points Saturday in a much-needed quality effort, led the supporting cast that featured eight players in double figures. The most surprising performance came from Iman Shumpert, who scored 12 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.

At 38-26, Boston isn't quite on the same level as Golden State. But the Celtics play with a similar fast-paced tempo to the Western Conference champs, which is something that has given Cleveland trouble in the past.

If James, Irving and Love can find common ground to keep one another happy in the postseason, this team could give Golden State trouble with its physicality and defense.

Jimmy Butler could save the Bulls:

Playing for the first time since Feb. 5, Butler proved just how important he is to Chicago's playoff hopes Saturday in a 108-100 win against the Rockets. Butler scored 24 points with 11 rebounds and six assists. He also helped force James Harden into nine turnovers.

Chicago looked dead in the water coming into the game, having lost four straight games and dropping out of the final playoff spot in the East. But Saturday night's win, coupled with Detroit's loss, bumped the Bulls back up to eighth with some of their best basketball still ahead of them.

Highlights:

Andre Drummond with the one-handed slam:

Trevor Ariza glides through the lane:

Butler is back:

Stud of the night:

Pacers forward Paul George scored 38 points on 13-of-22 shooting with six rebounds in a 100-99 win against the Wizards. George also hit two free throws with three seconds left to ultimately win the game. 

Dud of the night:

Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson was not on his game Saturday night. In a 102-89 loss against the Knicks, Jackson scored just eight points on 3-of-17 shooting. He also missed all six of his 3-point attempts and committed four turnovers.

What's Next:

Trail Blazers (33-30) at Pistons (31-30) 6 p.m. ET — Portland has been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since the start of February as Damian Lillard continues to reach new heights. The Pistons have looked much better since adding Tobias Harris.

Rockets (30-32) at Raptors (41-19) 6:30 p.m. ET — Toronto continues to chase Cleveland for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan set the pace but center Jonas Valančiūnas will be important down the stretch.

Alec Brzezinski