A big part of the NBA Playoffs is how well you can play the waiting game. For LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers, having to wait a week after concluding their series has become typical, as they frequently finish off their opponents with a sweep. This means they have to wait until every other matchup is decided before they can play a game in the next round and since the Cavs usually make easy work of their opposition, they usually have a lengthy break between each playoff series.
The second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs has proven to be no different as the Cavs swept the Toronto Raptors and have since been patiently waiting to figure out who they will square off against in the Eastern Conference Finals as the series between the Wizards and Celtics is now headed to 7 games.
Unsurprisingly, Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue says his team is growing increasingly antsy to go out there and play against the victor. Following from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue says his team is becoming “anxious” as it waits through the longest layoff between playoff rounds in LeBron James’ history with the franchise. However, Lue remains steadfast in his decision not to scrimmage his team during its preparation for the Eastern Conference finals…
The break is testing some players’ patience as Lue has limited the team’s activities to walkthroughs on the court rather than full-fledged 5-on-5, in attempt to save their bodies and prevent injuries.
“I know our team is anxious to play,” Lue said. “(Kyle) Korver and LeBron, those guys are talking about it. So our guys are just anxious to play and ready to go out there.”
These extended breaks in the playoffs can go both ways for teams depending on the personnel. Some squads will come out rusty after being out of live action for days while others will utilize the break to rest up and come back a refreshed team.
For a LeBron-led team, the break likely won’t be an issue and we should fully expect the Cavs to be ready for Game 1 of the conference finals, regardless of their opponent.
