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Cavs Seek Top Spot for First Time Since LeBron Era
The Cleveland Cavaliers enter Sunday night’s clash with the Sacramento Kings with one very clear goal—clinch the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since their legendary 2015-16 championship season. Back then, it was LeBron, Kyrie, and Love. Today, it’s Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen leading the charge.
At 62-15, Cleveland has had a statement season. But it hasn’t been without close calls, including a narrow 114-113 escape against the Spurs on Friday. After blowing a 23-point lead and surviving a missed buzzer-beater from Harrison Barnes, the Cavs knew they had to reset mentally.
“That’s the proverbial bullet right there,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “We didn’t come out with the focus we needed in the second half. Now, we go home and take care of business.”
Business, in this case, is beating a Kings squad that’s desperate to stay alive in the Western Conference playoff picture.
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Sacramento Fighting to Stay in the Play-In Picture
It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for the Kings (37-40), who are hanging onto the 10th seed in the West by just two games over the Phoenix Suns. This game in Cleveland is part of a grueling six-game road trip, with Detroit waiting on Monday.
Their season took a dramatic turn after Doug Christie took over coaching duties following Christmas and De’Aaron Fox was traded in a surprising package that brought in Zach LaVine from Chicago.
Christie Sparks Change and a New Identity
Christie has gone 24-22 since stepping in, helping the team stabilize after a chaotic start. And despite inconsistency, the Kings have proven they can be dangerous. Case in point? Their 123-119 win over the Cavs back on March 19, where they executed a gritty road upset.
“You find out who you are in games like this,” Christie said ahead of Sunday’s rematch. “It’s win or go home now. Every possession matters.”
That sentiment was echoed by forward Domantas Sabonis, who’s emerged as the emotional and statistical leader of the team.
Sabonis and LaVine: A Duo in Sync?
Since returning from an ankle injury on March 24, Sabonis has been averaging 18.1 points, continuing to do a little of everything for Sacramento. In Friday’s win over Charlotte, he dropped 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, nearly posting yet another triple-double.
“He never ceases to amaze me,” Christie said of his big man. “He sacrifices his body, his approach, his energy—everything. As a team and fanbase, we need to love him for that.”
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan—former Bulls stars—are starting to find a rhythm together. While it’s not perfect, their chemistry is building at just the right time, and Sunday’s game will be a major test.
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Can Cleveland Finish the Job?
It’s not just about momentum or pride anymore. Clinching the No. 1 seed locks in home-court advantage through the East playoffs, and with Cleveland holding a five-game lead over the Knicks and chasing league-best status, every win counts.
Offensive Firepower Leading the Charge
Cleveland leads the NBA in points per game (122.2) and is second in field goal percentage (49.2%), thanks to a multi-pronged scoring attack.
- Donovan Mitchell: 24.0 PPG, explosive from deep and electric in transition
- Darius Garland: 20.6 PPG, running the offense with poise
- Jarrett Allen: Rim protector and reliable inside finisher
- De’Andre Hunter: The trade deadline pickup now anchoring the second unit
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Hunter’s presence has given Cleveland the flexibility to rotate more confidently, especially when managing starters’ minutes—like Friday, when Allen sat the entire second half to rest for this home stand.
“We have great chemistry,” Atkinson said. “This group is trying to take it to the next level.”
Follow all playoff-clinching scenarios here
Matchup Spotlight: Backcourt Battle
This game could come down to the guards.
- Mitchell vs. LaVine: Two explosive scorers with deep bags and flair for the dramatic
- Garland vs. DeRozan: A more cerebral, finesse-oriented duel
Both backcourts will try to impose their tempo—Cleveland prefers pace and precision, while Sacramento will look to create chaos, run in transition, and get to the foul line.
The Kings will also be keeping an eye on Garland’s ability to collapse the defense and find spot-up shooters like Max Strus or Sam Merrill, both capable of lighting it up from beyond the arc.
A Look Back: Cleveland’s Last No. 1 Run
The last time Cleveland clinched the top seed in the East, they were led by LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love—and they went on to win it all, dethroning the 73-win Warriors in seven unforgettable games.
That team was built on star power and playoff experience.
This team? Built on chemistry, depth, and cohesion—plus a defensive mindset and an unselfish offensive engine.
It’s a different formula, but one that’s clearly working.
What’s at Stake
For Cleveland:
- Clinch the No. 1 seed in the East
- Continue momentum heading into the playoffs
- Prove they can beat playoff-caliber teams down the stretch
For Sacramento:
- Hold onto the final play-in spot
- Finish the road trip strong before another must-win vs. Detroit
- Build playoff identity under Doug Christie’s leadership
Final Word: One Game, Two Realities
The stakes are sky-high for both squads, just in very different ways. For Cleveland, this is about taking the final step toward a historic regular season finish and positioning themselves for a deep playoff run. For Sacramento, it’s survival mode—each game feels like an elimination matchup.
Expect intensity, physicality, and a playoff-like atmosphere from the jump.
And if you’re betting the game? Pay close attention to player prop markets on Sabonis and Mitchell, plus team totals. Both teams can put up points in a hurry, but their defensive habits will dictate the final outcome.
