The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently in a tight race with the Toronto Raptors for the first seed in the East — a race that they’re currently winning. The Cavs(49-20) are just one game ahead of the Raptors(48-21). How much of a priority is getting that top spot in the conference for Cleveland? It’s important, but not the most important thing, says head coach Tyronn Lue.
Lue said Monday that he will prioritize resting his players above the race for the Eastern Conference’s top spot going down the stretch.
“We definitely want the No. 1 seed if we can get it, but I think we have to rest our guys also,” Lue said after the team’s shootaround Monday morning. “I think health going into the playoffs is more important than the seeding. If we’re fortunate enough to get the No. 1 seed, it will be great for us. But if not, then we just got to play through it.
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“I think all championship teams have to win on the road anyway. So, [the No. 1 seed is] important to us, but also being healthy going into the playoffs is more important.”
Lue is right, of course. Health should be the utmost priority. I also like what he said about how championship teams have to win on the road. That’s very true for Cleveland, because if they make the finals, there’s very little chance they’ll have home-court advantage. Golden State and San Antonio will both easily finish with better records than Cleveland.
