The Cleveland Cavaliers appeared to have solved the problems with their roster with a four-game winning streak going into the All-Star break, but the Cavs are only 5-7 since then. Despite continued great play and triple-doubles from LeBron James, this team hasn't played to the level they're capable of. Let's get you up to speed with the week that was and the week ahead with our Cavs Weekly update:
Standings:
Cleveland currently sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference at 39-30, but are only a half-game out of third and a half-game out of fifth - and only 3.5 games up on the eighth-seeded Miami Heat. That's how crowded the middle of the East is.
This Week:
Cleveland started the week in Los Angeles, where they suffered back-to-back 14-point losses to the Clippers and Lakers. The Cavs were shorthanded in both games - dressing only 11 players in their loss to the Lakers - but were still expected to win both games.
They then went to Phoenix and picked up a 129-107 win over the Suns on Tuesday, which was their only victory of the week. LeBron recorded his 69th career triple-double (28 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists) in the game as Cleveland built a 20-point lead in the first quarter.
The Cavs then closed the week in Portland, where they were unable to cool off the red-hot Trail Blazers despite the dunk of the year from James.
Portland has now won 11 games in a row.
What's Next?
The Cavs will finish their road trip on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls before returning to Cleveland for three straight home games against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, and Suns on Friday. Read more Cavs news in the Chat Sports iPhone and Android apps.
Injuries:
Kevin Love is expected to return from his broken hand for Cleveland's March 23 game against the Suns.
What They're Saying:
After Desperate Deadline Deals, Cavs Still Face Same Question: Save Us, LeBron? (Bleacher Report)
Will the Cavs pursue Damian Lillard in the offseason? (Fansided)
Shorthanded Cavs lack rebounding, passing ability in 113-105 loss to surging Portland; Three takeaways (NEO Sports Insiders)
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