Can the Cleveland Cavaliers (Cavs) overcome their 'clunky' performance in the second half of the season? Terry Pluto explores this question as the team approaches the halfway point of the 82-game regular season. With a 21-18 record, the Cavs are currently ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference, aiming to finish in the top six to avoid the postseason play-in tournament. However, their performance has been marred by a series of injuries to key players, including Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, who are still recovering from major injuries. Max Strus, a starter last season, has yet to play due to foot surgery and is expected to be out for at least another month. The team's struggles have been attributed to their 'clunky' performance, with Coach Kenny Atkinson citing the need for a lineup that flows smoothly. Despite some good performances, the Cavs have also had some clunkers, leading some in the media to label the season as disastrous. However, when compared to other playoff teams from last season, such as Indiana, Dallas, and the Clippers, the Cavs are doing relatively well. The team's performance has been generally win-one, lose-one, with a 12-6 record on November 23, followed by a 9-12 record since then. While coaching changes and lineups have been made, the Cavs are still searching for a consistent lineup that can perform well. The team's struggles are not solely due to coaching, as some significant moves by the front office, such as trading for De'Andre Hunter, have not paid off. Hunter, who was the best sixth man in the NBA with Atlanta, is having a frustrating season, shooting only 43% from the field and 31% on 3-pointers. Similarly, Lonzo Ball, who was traded for Isaac Okoro, has struggled to score, shooting 30% from the field and 23% on 3-pointers. The Cavs are also facing challenges with Evan Mobley, who was expected to be a big-time scorer but has been struggling to find his offensive rhythm. Despite these challenges, there is hope for the Cavs. Darius Garland, who has been slowly recovering from toe surgery, is showing signs of improvement, averaging 20 points, 7.1 assists, and 51% shooting in his last 10 games. If Garland continues to improve, he could bring more consistency to the team, especially in scoring in the fourth quarter. Additionally, Donovan Mitchell, who is having an epic season, scoring 30 points a game, may not be able to carry the team's scoring load indefinitely. The Cavs are also looking to make some moves along the margins, with the trade deadline approaching in three weeks. The team is $22 million over the second apron, and they may look to move players like De'Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball to help with the salary cap situation. Overall, the Cavs are facing challenges, but there is still hope for improvement in the second half of the season. The team will need to address their struggles and make strategic moves to achieve success.
