Forgive me if I drift for a moment into the possibilities of spring. That is what a good schedule release tends to do. Back in mid August, when the NBA dropped its full list of marquee matchups, Wednesday November 19 against the Cavaliers stood out. It felt like a date that carried a little extra weight. Maybe it was too early to start thinking about June, but dreaming is part of the experience.
Some of Kevin Durant’s most beautiful work came with Cleveland on the other sideline during his Golden State years. The Christmas Day game in 2016 still lives in that space between memory and myth. Durant finished with 36 points and 15 rebounds, a performance that looked like something framed in stained glass. It was an early clue of what was coming in the summers that followed, when the Warriors collected consecutive titles and built a rivalry that still inspires reflection.
Few people understand Cleveland basketball more than Austin Carr. The former top overall pick and longtime Cavs voice spoke with AllSportsPeople about where this version of the team is headed. He said, “This year is a little different for the Cavs. They are looking to find consistent bench play. They are a dynamic team when they go nine or ten deep. I will say that the personnel of the Rockets and Cavs would make it one of the best finals in a long time because all of the ingredients are there, good defense, better offense and a competitive spirit.”
So imagine it. Durant and Donovan Mitchell trading scoring runs that could swing a series. Amen Thompson and Darius Garland playing with the rhythm of two musicians who understand how to command a room. Alperen Sengun and Jarrett Allen battling in the paint for every inch of space.
It is only November. It is too early. It might even be a little unrealistic. Yet it is still the perfect kind of basketball daydream.
And if everything breaks just right, this night in Cleveland could become the first hint of something that might matter again when the air turns warm.
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