Cavs Are More Prepared, More Experienced For Playoffs This Year

The Cleveland Cavaliers playoff experience could be the difference maker against the Orlando Magic.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are just a few days away from opening up a playoff series and the outcome could determine the future of the organization for the next four to five years. It’s fair to say that we can feel 

Donovan Mitchell was asked if he feels his team is prepared for this crucial matchup, and it’s safe to say he does feel pretty confident in this group.

“Yeah, I think with the guys we brought in,” said Mitchell. “Also, you can’t teach experience. I think something like that definitely helps. As nasty as last year was, I think that definitely is something that helps for us to continue, for the guys that were here last year. 

Why should fans feel more confident that this interaction of the Cavs truly is a better playoff team than last year? Well, they now have a roster full of players who have played in this intense moment.s

“We got guys like Goerges [Niang], [Tristan Thompson], [Max Strus], [Marcus Morris] who have been there and in these situations. So I think we’re definitely prepared for sure," continued Mitchell. 

Mar 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) celebrates with forward Marcus Morris Sr. (24) during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Strus even said just the other day that he’s hoping his experience alone, “can help make a long playoff run.” The sharpshooter in his first season with the Cavs reached the NBA Finals as the Miami Heat’s starting small forward last season. 

Lack of experience was one of the big knocks on the 2023 team, but that can’t be the same excuse this season. 

On the other side of the matchup, the Orlando Magic sit where the Cavs did just 365 days ago. They have a young roster with a promising core but are competing for the playoffs as a group for the first time. 

This experience, which was once a weakness for the Cavs, could be the difference maker in the first round.