Something is wrong with the Cleveland Cavaliers

Billy Heyen

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Something is wrong with the Cleveland Cavaliers image

The Cleveland Cavaliers don't look the same.

It's been a rough start to the season in many ways, a lot of that stemming from various injuries, but something definitely seems off.

A season ago, the Cavs started 15-0.

This season, they've reached the 15 wins mark while also having 13 losses, the latest a one-sided defeat to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.

This is what NBA writer Keith Smith shared on X:

"Fully recognizing that the Cavs have had a lot of injuries (the top four guys have barely played together), but when you watch them play something else seems off. They feel lifeless. It's not a lack of effort. Seems more like a lack of joy. Not the same team as last year."

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There's also this video of Donovan Mitchell looking perplexed and upset at the end of the loss to the Bulls:

It can be hard in the NBA to maintain the same level of play year over year, especially once the injury bug hits.

But these Cavs have been especially erratic. Even a handful of their wins have featured a listless three quarters before someone, usually Mitchell, rescues them in the fourth.

Maybe the regular season just doesn't feel that interesting after a couple of tough postseason exits. Maybe there's been not enough change and it's all becoming stale.

Whatever the reason, the Cavs have a lot to figure out. The Eastern Conference was supposed to be wide open this season, but Cleveland isn't currently close to taking advantage.

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