Fansided

NBA Playoffs 2017: Power ranking all 16 playoff teams

By Chris Barnewall

January 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates in front of Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates in front of Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shows emotion after fouling out against the Atlanta Hawks in overtime at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Cavaliers 126-125. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shows emotion after fouling out against the Atlanta Hawks in overtime at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Cavaliers 126-125. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Cleveland Cavaliers

Dropping the Cavaliers this low feels painful, yet strangely deserved. They completely slept-walked through the entire finishing stretch of the season without a care in the world. They occasionally woke up for “big games” such as their complete and total whooping of the Celtics, but for the most part they just didn’t show up. They hilariously lost to a resting Hawks team only to lose a giant lead to the same team at full strength the following Sunday. This has been the story of the season for Cleveland. So many losses to teams they had no business losing to, and some of the worst defense anybody has ever seen.

And yet, they’re still the favorites to win the East. Everybody’s seen this team flip the switch before and there’s no reason to believe they can’t do it again. LeBron James is the best player in the world. Guarding Kyrie Irving is impossible. Kevin Love is the most dangerous third-option in the NBA. They have a strong veteran presence on the bench and Tristan Thompson defending the rim. This team has proven time and time again that when everybody is locked in, especially James, there is nobody tougher to beat. That’s why they’re the defending champs.

However, what if they can’t do it this time? What if the switch doesn’t flip and the defense is truly unfixable? When great teams fall it’s never expected. Is it finally time for James to be relaxing at home in June? Well, when that happens it happens. Until then, counting out James and the Cavs is not the move to make.

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