Return of the Cavs

credit yahoo sports

Last week I wrote about the massive trade deadline deals the Cavs made in order to get out of their funk and get some younger talent around LeBron James. While the new guys weren't able to get in town for the Atlanta game, they would have a big test going against the East-leading Celtics when they finally took the floor. You never know how new players are going to integrate, especially with such a large focal point in Lebron.

The results couldn't have been better. Not only did all four of the new players contribute, the "old" Cavs seemed energized as well.

credit SB Nation

JR Smith reminded us that he could dunk. Tristan Thompson reminded us that he could rebound. I'm not sure if this is due to the new energy that came with the trades, or the realization that their replacements are more than willing to step in and take their starting jobs. Either way, we haven't seen the Cavs like this in a while.

What resulted was a 121-99 drubbing of one of the best defenses in the league. LeBron nearly had his third straight triple-double, going for 24-8-10 in only 28 minutes of action. Six of his teammates scored in double figures, including 3 of the new guys. They were running the floor, hustling, playing great defense, and something we haven't seen in a time, having fun.

Lebron sat the majority of the 4th quarter, but was the biggest cheerleader for his new teammates. He looks downright giddy in the lead picture after Jordan Clarkson makes a transition 3-pointer.

Everyone is still in the honeymoon phase with this, but it seems like the Cavs got a lot better very quickly. If the team can keep playing with this energy and teamwork, the Cavs have a good shot at making the finals again, and convincing LeBron to stick around a while longer.