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Come Fan with UsTuesday, August 4, 2026

The Cavs are winning again. So what’s next?

Things are looking good for Cleveland so far.

NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics
NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The new-look Cleveland Cavaliers have beaten two good teams in their first two games as a unit, and their future looks bright for now. They romped the Celtics, 121-99, on Sunday, then on Tuesday night, they beat the Thunder 120-112. That’s a hell of a reintroduction.

The smooth start has been great news for Cleveland fans, who endured a brutal 2018 stretch that forced the team to trade six players on trade deadline day. The mood has quickly changed as LeBron James looks happier than ever before, and the Cavs transformed overnight to a younger and more defensively committed unit.

It’s easy to think all is suddenly cured, but that’s far from true. There are a number of ways Cleveland needs to get better. But there’s no denying this start has been great.

So what’s been good?

LeBron James is visibly happy

Above all, James’ happiness is the most important thing for both the Cavs’ long- and short-term futures if they intend to keep him as a free agent and make a run in this year’s playoffs. He seems to love his new teammates, and he’s thriving so far.

On Tuesday, he dominated with 37 points on 14-of-23 shooting. He did his usual LeBron takeover in the third quarter, but also was the recipient of a number of lead passes from his teammates. He didn’t have to win this game entirely by himself, and that’s important.

J.R. Smith is back

One of a number of disappointing players for the Cavs this year has been Smith who came into the game shooting 37 percent from deep, averaging just eight points. In two games, he’s shot 9 of 13 (69 percent) from range while scoring 33 total points. That’s the type of contribution they need from him.

He’s even played some defense, too!

The new pieces are fitting quickly

The Cavs didn’t add a single All-Star to the fold, instead dealing a struggling Isaiah Thomas away for four rotation pieces. Each has found their role quickly.

For George Hill, that’s meant defending opposing guards while playing off the ball next to LeBron on offense. For Rodney Hood, that’s been shooting off the catch. The Lakers duo — Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson — has been a scoring and rebounding spark off the bench. It’s working nicely so far.

In the win over OKC, they combined for six made three-pointers and 48 points.

So what do the Cavs need to do during the All-Star break?

Find another big

Tristan Thompson has looked better as of late, but the Cavs need to pick up another big — probably through the buyout market. Kevin Love’s broken hand will likely keep him out another month, and Cleveland’s backup options are scarce.

That almost came back to bite them against OKC, as Steven Adams had 12 offensive rebounds. That’s a gap they’ll need to fill before the March 1 deadline for buyout players.

Develop chemistry

There’s something to this lineup already, but they’ll need to be seamless on the court together to win in the playoffs. They have little time to perfect everything, and this is going to be challenging. The Cavs have 26 games left this regular season, and Love won’t touch the floor until March.

It’s going to be a tough stunt to get every new acquisition in rhythm, and they’ll need to take the All-Star break seriously. But if any unit can get this done, it’s the one with James.

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