Cleveland Cavaliers Wild Card

In the ultimate show of resiliency, the Cleveland Cavaliers found a way to turn the eighth-most games lost due to injuries (248) into the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference. With all three of their past-or-present All-Stars — Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen — back in the starting lineup, alongside elite third-year big Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers’ opportunity to end a six-season postseason series win drought appear reasonable. Mitchell, the head of the Cavs’ dragon, overcame physical setbacks on the way to his fifth-consecutive All-Star appearance, highlighted by elite scoring averages (26.6) and a career-high in assists (6.1), rebounds (5.1), and steals (1.8). Not to be outdone in a season defined by unsung heroes, Cleveland’s supporting cast captured some of the 2023-24 NBA season’s most memorable moments, such as Max Strus’ 59-foot walk-off game-winner to defeat Dallas, or Dean Wade’s unforgettable 20-point fourth quarter takeover to shock the top-seeded Celtics. With the No. 7-ranked defense, home court advantage, and offensive talent capable of taking over any situation, Cleveland has plenty of reason to believe. This Fandom 'Wild Card' Redemption can be crafted into a Cleveland Cavaliers Moment after each round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.