Cavaliers Not Letting Up as Trail Blazers Look to Extend Streak

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the best team in the NBA this season, holding a 49-10 record and coming off an impressive comeback win against the defending champion Boston Celtics. But for head coach Kenny Atkinson, there is no time to celebrate.

With 23 games left in the regular season, Atkinson wants his team to stay focused, especially with a streaking Portland Trail Blazers squad coming to town on Sunday.

Cleveland overcame a 25-3 deficit against Boston on Friday, storming back to secure a 123-116 victory. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 41 points, while Darius Garland added 20 points and Evan Mobley contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Atkinson acknowledged the quality of the win but emphasized that there is still work to be done.

“You get great feedback on what works, what doesn’t work, what could possibly work if you play them in the playoffs,” Atkinson said. “But, I don’t know, it doesn’t feel like this game is like, ‘Wow, we’re over the mountaintop.’ By no means.

Cleveland will now turn its attention to Portland, a team playing its best basketball of the season and hoping to stay in the Western Conference play-in hunt.

Portland Building Momentum with Four-Game Win Streak

The Trail Blazers are 12th in the Western Conference, but their recent four-game winning streak has put them within four games of the 10th-place Sacramento Kings, keeping their play-in hopes alive.

Their latest victory, a 121-102 rout of the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, showcased seven players in double figures.

Key performers in Portland’s recent success:

• Shaedon Sharpe has stepped up as a reliable scorer, putting up 25 points against Brooklyn and averaging 18.6 points over the last nine games
• Dalano Banton contributed 23 points and 8 rebounds off the bench in the win over the Nets
• Toumani Camara provided much-needed scoring depth with 19 points against Brooklyn
• Anfernee Simons continues to be the team’s go-to perimeter scorer, adding 14 points in the victory

Portland head coach Chauncey Billups praised his team’s execution after the Brooklyn win.

“I love the way we started the game,” Billups said. “We knew that this team had very similar traits. They like to put a lot of pressure on you. They like to be very disruptive. I thought our guys really executed and did an awesome job of being patient when they picked up their pressure.”

The biggest difference for Portland lately has been the emergence of Sharpe. The 20-year-old guard has been efficient, aggressive, and dynamic, punctuated by one of the best dunks of the season, a one-handed slam over Washington’s Justin Champagnie in Wednesday’s 129-121 win over the Wizards.

“His offense was incredible,” Billups said of Sharpe. “I mean, it really was. On all three levels, he was incredible the entire time. I thought the defense was high-level as well. And his rebounding, he got some really, really big rebounds for us.”

Now, Portland will try to keep that momentum rolling against the best team in the NBA.

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Key Matchups to Watch

Donovan Mitchell vs. Shaedon Sharpe
Mitchell has been playing at an MVP level, averaging over 41 points in his last two games. Sharpe, meanwhile, has been Portland’s most dangerous offensive weapon during its winning streak. The young guard will need to match Mitchell’s energy and shot-making to keep the Blazers in the game.

Darius Garland vs. Anfernee Simons
Garland has been a steady second scoring option for Cleveland, while Simons remains Portland’s most consistent offensive player. Whoever wins this matchup will give their team a major boost.

Evan Mobley vs. Portland’s Bigs
Mobley continues to be a dominant force in the paint, and his ability to protect the rim will be crucial in slowing down Portland’s aggressive slashers.

Cavaliers’ Defense vs. Portland’s Pace
Portland has been playing at a high tempo, and Cleveland’s defensive intensity will be tested. The Cavaliers have one of the best defenses in the league, but Portland will look to push the pace and create transition opportunities.

What’s at Stake?

For Cleveland, another win would further solidify its standing as the best team in the NBA while keeping its momentum rolling toward the postseason. Atkinson wants his team to stay locked in and avoid playing down to their competition.

For Portland, a win would be its fifth straight and keep its play-in tournament hopes alive. With the Kings just four games ahead, every victory is crucial in the race for the 10th seed.

This game will also be the first meeting between these two teams this season, with their next matchup set for March 25 in Portland.

Cleveland will be the clear favorite, but with the way the Trail Blazers have been playing lately, this could be a much tougher battle than expected. Will the Cavaliers continue their dominance, or can Portland shock the league with an upset?