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Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 keys to reaching NBA Playoffs

By Tony Pesta

INDEPENDENCE, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 27, 2021 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
INDEPENDENCE, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 27, 2021 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

The time for tanking is over. The Cleveland Cavaliers have no excuse to aim for anything less than a ticket to the NBA Play-In Tournament this season.

Expectations are high for the young Cleveland Cavaliers who should be hopeful to reach the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2018.

It should not have been a surprise to see the Cavs miss out on the playoffs three seasons in a row following LeBron James’ decision to join Los Angeles. The roster has been devoid of talent ever since but the consistent efforts from Koby Altman and the rest of the development team are starting to pay off.

The Cavaliers have come a long way from Collin Sexton being the only building block. Now, exciting prospects such as Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Jarrett Allen, Lauri Markkanen, Lamar Stevens and Dylan Windler are all members of an underrated young core. Toss in more experienced assets like Denzel Valentine and Cedi Osman — as well as veteran leaders in Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love — and this team should have their eyes on the postseason.

Competing after the regular season is not as tall of a task as it once was. With the implementation of the NBA Play-In Tournament, a team simply has to finish in the top 10 of their conference to qualify for postseason activities.

For the Cavaliers, this means winning roughly 10-12 more games than last season and improving from 13th in the East. In order to do this, a couple of things will have to go their way.

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