Cavaliers Clinch Playoff Berth

The Cavaliers clinched a berth in the playoffs after winning at Golden State on Thursday, per the NBA (Twitter link).

Star guard Donovan Mitchell led the way with a team-high 25 points, with Max Strus right behind him at 24. All five starters were in double figures and big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen both had double-doubles.

It was a hard-fought victory for the Cavs, as the shorthanded Warriors battled to the end before coming up short. Gui Santos and Brandin Podziemski had 25 points apiece for Golden State.

Cleveland is currently 48-29, the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons (56-21), Celtics (51-25) and Knicks (49-28) previously secured playoff spots in the East.

The Cavs were the East’s top seed entering last year’s playoffs, compiling a 64-18 record prior to losing in the second round to Indiana. The team has been much more up-and-down in comparison — Cleveland was only 22-19 at the halfway mark.

Obviously, the Cavaliers have played much better in recent months, going 26-10 over their last 36 games. Their hot streak actually preceded the trade, but the club has talked extensively about how acquiring James Harden ahead of the February deadline has brought new energy — and a renewed sense of urgency — to a team with championship aspirations.

As we noted earlier on Thursday, we already know the other six postseason teams in the East, but we don’t yet know which of them will make the playoffs outright and avoid the play-in tournament. Atlanta seems to be in the best position to do so right now, as the Hawks are currently 44-33, the No. 5 seed.