Rejoice, we have reached the end of our ‘Previewing Cleveland Cavaliers opponents’ series. This can only mean one thing — Cavs basketball is right around the corner. But before preseason begins, let’s discuss the NBA’s Southwest Divison.
The first sip
If any player is going to break basketball in future seasons, it would be Victor Wembanyama. The French phenom has the San Antonio Spurs in position for long-term success as one of the most jaw-dropping players in recent history. The Spurs might not be ready to compete just yet — but I’m ready to watch them on a nightly basis.
The Memphis Grizzlies are a sleeping giant in the West. Three seasons removed from winning 56 games, they have had a nightmarish few years with Ja Morant controversies and injuries galore. All it takes is a dose of good luck for the Grizz to be back in contention.
The Houston Rockets find themselves at a watershed moment. They’ve spent the last few years collecting young talent. Now, it’s time to find out if anyone is capable of taking a leap. Alperen Senguin is their most promising asset but Reed Sheppard, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore and Jabari Smith could all grow in a way that changes the trajectory of the franchise.
Few people expected the Dallas Mavericks. to win the West last season. But when you have Luka Doncic, anything is possible. I’m not sold on their ‘upgrade’ of adding Klay Thompson. Yet, it’s hard to deny this much offensive firepower on one roster. I don’t think the Mavs can repeat last year’s success but I won’t be betting against them, either.
Finally, the New Orleans Pelicans might be in the worst position of any team in their division. They are dangerously close to basketball purgatory — stuck competing for a Play-In spot when they should have enough talent to chase titles. The Zion Williamson experience hasn’t been stable enough to get them there. Something tells me Dejounte Murray won’t change that.
How the Cavs played the Southwest Division last season
Mavericks - How could anyone forget the Cavs going 2-0 against Dallas last season? The power of friendship spurred their first victory. Then a Max Strus miracle saved the day behind the second-longest game-winning shot in league history.
Spurs - the Cavaliers also took care of business against San Antonio, in a far less eventual 2-0 season sweep.
Pelicans - Darius Garland had arguably his best game of the season in Cleveland’s win over New Orleans. Garland went for 27 points (6-10 shooting) and 11 assists. The Cavaliers dropped their other game to New Orleans.
Grizzlies - We can’t take much from this one. Last year’s Grizz (probably) won’t be this year’s Grizz. The Cavs won both games.
Rockets - Dealt one of the deepest stings of last season for Cleveland. Their 14-point victory in March felt far worse than it might seem looking back — with Donovan Mitchell hobbling and the rest of the Cavs being thoroughly out-hustled. Let’s hope for a better showing this season.
Cavs vs Southwest Divison this season
at New Orleans - Nov. 6
Home vs Pelicans - Nov. 20
at Houston - Jan. 22
Home vs Rockets - Jan. 25
Home vs Mavericks - Feb. 2
Home vs Grizzlies - Feb. 23
at Memphis - March 14
Home vs Spurs - March 27
at San Antonio - April 4
Notable players who have played for both the Cavs and a Southwest Division team
Larry Nance Jr. recently suited up for the New Orleans Pelicans, playing a big role in the games in which Zion Williamson was unable to play. Nance, of course, comes from Cavalier royalty and previously played for the Cavs from 2018-2021.
Danny Green didn’t leave much of a mark during either of his stints in Cleveland but he did breakout as a premiere three-point shooter with the San Antonio Spurs. His performance in the 2013 NBA Finals was remarkable and he eventually won a title the following season. Green also spent three games in Memphis last season.
Shawn Marion played a key part in the Mavericks winning the 2011 NBA championship. A few years later, he attempted to help LeBron James bring a title to Cleveland. They didn’t get over the hump in 2015.
Частные объявления в Вашем городе, в Вашем регионе и в России
Smi24.net — ежеминутные новости с ежедневным архивом. Только у нас — все главные новости дня без политической цензуры. "123 Новости" — абсолютно все точки зрения, трезвая аналитика, цивилизованные споры и обсуждения без взаимных обвинений и оскорблений. Помните, что не у всех точка зрения совпадает с Вашей. Уважайте мнение других, даже если Вы отстаиваете свой взгляд и свою позицию. Smi24.net — облегчённая версия старейшего обозревателя новостей 123ru.net. Мы не навязываем Вам своё видение, мы даём Вам срез событий дня без цензуры и без купюр. Новости, какие они есть —онлайн с поминутным архивом по всем городам и регионам России, Украины, Белоруссии и Абхазии. Smi24.net — живые новости в живом эфире! Быстрый поиск от Smi24.net — это не только возможность первым узнать, но и преимущество сообщить срочные новости мгновенно на любом языке мира и быть услышанным тут же. В любую минуту Вы можете добавить свою новость - здесь.
