The Cleveland Cavaliers haven't had the season they wanted so far.
But Monday night, they went to San Antonio and beat the Spurs by 12 points in a comfortable win.
This might just be what the Cavs have to do for a while.
Because their salary has them in the second apron, they don't have a lot of choices.
"Patience might have to be their best friend for right now," ESPN's Bobby Marks wrote on X after Monday's win.
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The Cavs have made it clear that Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are untouchable in trades. But that could leave guys like Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and De'Andre Hunter available in trades.
There aren't a lot of ways for Cleveland to actually make deals, though.
Before Monday's game, Marks wrote this:
"Cleveland can choose to remain patient and hope for improved health. After using just 23 different starting lineups last season, Cleveland is already at 17 through the season's first 33 games. The second and more challenging path is exploring a trade. Cleveland is the only team over the second apron this season, leaving obstacles in its way. Cleveland is not allowed to take back more salary, aggregate contracts or send out cash in trades and cannot sign a waived player making $14.1 million or more."
The Cavs may just have to ride this out.
At least they proved Monday night that when they play at their best, they can beat anyone.
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