Published by
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
By Chris Mannix There are arguments against a deep playoff run for Cleveland, but the young team has put in the work and believes it should be taken seriously. Are the Cavaliers contenders? It’s officially time to ask. It’s mid-March. The Cavs have 43 wins. They lead the NBA in defensive rating. They allow the fewest points per game. They have an offense led by a dynamic, All-NBA guard who is supported by a pair of All-Stars from last season. They have an athletic, second-year big man who has drawn comparisons to Anthony Davis—and plays more and more like him by the game. They have more wins t…