Best of Cavs on 92.3 The Fan: What is the belief level in this team?
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The episode of Afternoon Drive on 92.3 The Fan centers on a spirited debate about the Cleveland Cavaliers' playoff readiness and the state of fan belief in the team. Hosts Lima and Tone engage in a heated back-and-forth, with Lima arguing that despite the Cavs' inconsistent regular season and lingering doubts from past postseason failures, the team has transformed with the addition of James Harden and is now healthy and capable of a deep run. Tone counters that fan skepticism is valid due to the team’s history of underperforming in the playoffs, especially against tough opponents like Atlanta and Boston. The conversation explores the psychological weight of expectations, the impact of the Harden trade, and the pressure on head coach Kenny Atkinson to deliver results with the league’s highest payroll. The hosts also discuss the broader malaise in Cleveland sports, from the Browns to the Guardians, and how it affects fan morale. Ultimately, Lima expresses cautious optimism, believing the Cavs have the pieces and chemistry to prove their doubters wrong, while Tone remains skeptical but acknowledges the team’s potential to surprise.
The Cavs' belief level among fans remains low due to past playoff failures, despite a strong regular season and key trades.
James Harden's impact has been positive in the short term, with the team posting a 19-6 record since his arrival.
The Cavs' path to the Eastern Conference Finals is favorable, but they must prove they can beat teams they should beat, like Atlanta and Detroit.
Pressure is high on Kenny Atkinson and the front office, with potential for major changes if the team fails in the first round.
The team’s formula of early Mobley dominance and late Mitchell/Harden closers shows promise and could be key in the playoffs.
Opening Debate: Fan Belief in the Cavs
“You've got to recognize that when you talk to the fans. Detroit fans don't trust themselves. The Knicks fans, they don't. But they're in different places.”
The Harden Trade and Fan Skepticism
“James Harden, known to shrink in big moments. Of course, he's had 1,000 big moments and he's played well in about 997 of them.”
The Malaise in Cleveland Sports
The conversation expands to include the broader malaise across Cleveland sports, with the Browns and Guardians also suffering from low fan excitement. The hosts suggest this collective fatigue affects how fans view the Cavs’ playoff chances.
The Playoff Path and Team Comparisons
The hosts analyze the Eastern Conference playoff landscape, debating whether Boston, Detroit, or the Knicks are the true favorites. Lima argues the Cavs are the team to beat, while Tone believes Boston is the clear favorite due to Tatum’s return and depth.
The Psychological Edge and Playoff Formula
“I like the idea of get Mobley involved early, especially offensively because I think it unlocks the best Evan Mobley both sides of the court.”
“James Harden, known to shrink in big moments. Of course, he's had 1,000 big moments and he's played well in about 997 of them.”
“The burden of proof is on them to showcase that they're different. I think they are different, but maybe I'm just that idiot in the corner that is believed.”
“You've got to recognize that when you talk to the fans. Detroit fans don't trust themselves. The Knicks fans, they don't. But they're in different places.”
Hosts
Cleveland Cavaliers
other
Lima
person
Tone
person
James Harden
person
Donovan Mitchell
person
Evan Mobley
person
Kenny Atkinson
person
Atlanta Hawks
other
Boston Celtics
other
New York Knicks
other
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