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Around the League => Around the NBA => Topic started by: Moranis on December 06, 2017, 04:27:46 PM

Title: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: Moranis on December 06, 2017, 04:27:46 PM
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2017/12/isaiah_thomas_tristan_thompson.html#incart_m-rpt-2

It was 4 on 4 with Tristan Thompson (also working on coming back), Osman, and Zizic and then 4 staff members.  Thomas looked pretty good in the short video clip.  It looks like he may be back before the Christmas day game with the Warriors.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: hpantazo on December 06, 2017, 04:40:22 PM
Good to see IT back. I hope he gets a chance to land the payday he deserves this summer. Very few players deserve it as much as him, he has already earned it.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: CelticsElite on December 06, 2017, 05:02:26 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: celticsclay on December 06, 2017, 05:17:53 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: cman88 on December 06, 2017, 05:28:49 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract

cavs currently are averaging as much points against as ppg  :o 
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: Darío SpanishFan on December 06, 2017, 05:46:41 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract

I don't think he is joking. It is a possibility, as IT has starred playing much time with the ball in his hands, lots of plays set for him and relieved in defense.

As cooked as he is, maybe a PG like Calderón (Dellavedova, this style) fits better with LeBron and Love than a scoring-first player which is a defensive liability.

The logic says IT should make them much better, but I don't take it as granted. Here we will have another opportunity to see if Stevens make every player better and Isaiah's last two years were real or consequence of the system, as I said many times.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: Tr1boy on December 06, 2017, 06:02:49 PM
IT is anxious to comeback bc he wants a tribute on the Celts screen...then drop 40 in Dannys face

Cant blame him
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: Rakulp on December 06, 2017, 06:26:59 PM
IT is anxious to comeback bc he wants a tribute on the Celts screen...then drop 40 in Dannys face

Cant blame him

If that is his motivation, then I do blame him.

Danny sent him to the reigning Eastern Conference champions...put him in the best position possible to get as much exposure when he returned from his injuries to prove he was deserving of a max or near max contract next year, whether with the Cavaliers or another team.

It's not like he was shipped to a team whose losses will double their wins, without much of a TV market or fan support, to be lost in the misery pit - dilly, dilly! :)

Did Danny do it to help IT?  No, first motivation is to help the Celtics...but he dang sure didn't do anything that hurts IT.

Rak
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: Tr1boy on December 06, 2017, 06:41:40 PM
IT is anxious to comeback bc he wants a tribute on the Celts screen...then drop 40 in Dannys face

Cant blame him

If that is his motivation, then I do blame him.

Danny sent him to the reigning Eastern Conference champions...put him in the best position possible to get as much exposure when he returned from his injuries to prove he was deserving of a max or near max contract next year, whether with the Cavaliers or another team.

It's not like he was shipped to a team whose losses will double their wins, without much of a TV market or fan support, to be lost in the misery pit - dilly, dilly! :)

Did Danny do it to help IT?  No, first motivation is to help the Celtics...but he dang sure didn't do anything that hurts IT.

Rak

What you wrote is all "cold business" speak

Yes IT4 is hurting... He is human

I would have done the trade a million times over. But also can sympathize with him.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: blink on December 06, 2017, 06:42:27 PM
I dunno, it is good to see that he is moving and playing.  But that was pretty low intensity 4 on 4.  IT didn't really show a lot of quick moves or display great mobility.  At least he is back on the court.  Who knows when it will be for real games though.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: Celtics4ever on December 06, 2017, 07:35:08 PM
That was more goofing around than playing hard.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: Rakulp on December 07, 2017, 03:48:38 AM
IT is anxious to comeback bc he wants a tribute on the Celts screen...then drop 40 in Dannys face

Cant blame him

If that is his motivation, then I do blame him.

Danny sent him to the reigning Eastern Conference champions...put him in the best position possible to get as much exposure when he returned from his injuries to prove he was deserving of a max or near max contract next year, whether with the Cavaliers or another team.

It's not like he was shipped to a team whose losses will double their wins, without much of a TV market or fan support, to be lost in the misery pit - dilly, dilly! :)

Did Danny do it to help IT?  No, first motivation is to help the Celtics...but he dang sure didn't do anything that hurts IT.

Rak

What you wrote is all "cold business" speak

Yes IT4 is hurting... He is human

I would have done the trade a million times over. But also can sympathize with him.

In a business there are guys who do it right and those who do it wrong.

In this case, by sending IT to Cleveland, Danny did him a solid.  There was a player available that would help lift the Celtics to the next level, IT was hurt and with an unknown return, so the deal was done. 

As you say, yes, IT is hurting...he is human...nobody denied that.  Ask Gordon Hayward and Celtics fans if they are not hurting about the first five minutes of that first game.  Life happens...and we have to live with the situations that occur in life. 

If IT were still on the team, what would our record be at this point?  Would we be "rushing" IT back to try to salvage a season and "possibly" be making the playoffs?  Or would we just let him heal, and just count this season as a loss...and hey, maybe we get a lottery pick?  Under that scenario, how is IT helped?  In his final contract year, to not get the opportunity to showcase himself, what contract does he get then?

At least on the Cavaliers, again, defending ECF champions, he will get great exposure...and, hopefully as I am a IT fan, do great and seal the deal on a multi year big dollar deal for the next 3 - 4 years.

All I'm saying is if IT is harboring long term resentment against Danny, then he should consider the fact that in the long run, Danny may have done him a tremendous favor.  Like you, I can sympathize with the emotional aspect of how things turned out, considering the heart he showed in the playoffs after his sister passed.  Again...I'm a fan of IT.  However, in the long run, it may be the best thing that ever happened to him.

Time will tell.

Rak
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: cltc5 on December 07, 2017, 04:22:14 AM
Who cares ::)
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: bopna on December 07, 2017, 06:20:21 AM
Cmon guys..you all cannot follow IT and whatever he does or tweet all the time...its sickening and we get it...but this love for IT has to stop...support him then be a Cavs fan then.

Ivr moved on from every former Celtic and that includes Rondo who ive loved during the big 3 era more than Ray...but do I tweet or post whatever Rondo is eating or doung in scrimmage...nope...to be honest I want IT to fail miserably specually in the playoffs...why because a successful IT means he is and maybe going to torch us...I dont even care if he gets his $$.... The guy is ultra rich already as it is even if he does and does not get max...i really dont give a dong.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: Moranis on December 07, 2017, 08:21:00 AM
Who cares ::)
The Cavs are the only Eastern Conference Team that can (and probably will) be favored against the Celtics in the playoffs and a lot of that will rest on the health of Thomas.  Thus, we all should care.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: tazzmaniac on December 07, 2017, 08:53:32 AM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract
The Cavs are awesome because of Lebron.  He had to play 41 minutes to pull out a victory against the KIngs.  A game where 3 of their starters scored a total of 10 points total.  They're starting Calderon for goodness sake.  A healthy IT will be able to carry some of the offensive load allowing them to reduce Lebron's minutes a bit and allowing Lebron to give a bit more effort on defense.   
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: JumpingJudkins on December 07, 2017, 08:55:47 AM
Cmon guys..you all cannot follow IT and whatever he does or tweet all the time...its sickening and we get it...but this love for IT has to stop...support him then be a Cavs fan then.

Ivr moved on from every former Celtic and that includes Rondo who ive loved during the big 3 era more than Ray...but do I tweet or post whatever Rondo is eating or doung in scrimmage...nope...to be honest I want IT to fail miserably specually in the playoffs...why because a successful IT means he is and maybe going to torch us...I dont even care if he gets his $$.... The guy is ultra rich already as it is even if he does and does not get max...i really dont give a dong.

Yes, and we should spit on Paul Pierce if we see him in the street because he deserted the Celtics for the Nets and Clippers. Come on man, people are still allowed to have feelings.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: mmmmm on December 07, 2017, 09:47:15 AM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract

cavs currently are averaging as much points against as ppg  :o

For the season, maybe.   They had some horrendous defensive efforts in their early games.  But not "currently".

Over the last 13 games (their current winning streak), the Cavs have scored 116.2 points per 100 possessions and given up only 105.4 points per 100.   Those numbers would rank 1st and 4th in team rankings for offense.   They've notably held their opponents to under 100 points in 6 of their last 9 games.

People who dismissed the Cavs because of their rough start to the season were probably more than a bit ... premature.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: BitterJim on December 07, 2017, 09:53:53 AM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I hope he makes them better.  Way, way better. Like, "better than the Warriors" better.

And I hope we crush them anyway.  I don't want to make the finals because the Cavs and the rest of the east suck, I want to make it because we beat the best and are ready to take on the Warriors.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: mmmmm on December 07, 2017, 12:20:35 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I hope he makes them better.  Way, way better. Like, "better than the Warriors" better.

And I hope we crush them anyway.  I don't want to make the finals because the Cavs and the rest of the east suck, I want to make it because we beat the best and are ready to take on the Warriors.

I like this thinking.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: Vermont Green on December 07, 2017, 01:10:02 PM
I am rooting for IT.  I know that may not be in the best interest of the Celtics but it is just for one season, then he gets his big contract somewhere, LeBron joins up with Paul George in LA, and the Celtics rule the East for a decade.

I am OK with that.  IT is a great competitor and was a total Celtic.  He had a fabulous season for us, unbelievable.  I hope he has another one for the Cavs.  Let them have one more title.  I can wait one more season for us to make it to the finals when we have Hayward.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: KGs Knee on December 07, 2017, 01:46:43 PM
Thomas is cooked. Should have had the surgery to repair the hip.

Oh well, at least Ainge was smart enough to trade his damaged goods while he still could.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: libermaniac on December 07, 2017, 02:38:20 PM
As a fantasy owner of IT, I will be super nervous every time he drives and gets knocked down.  I hope he's 100%, but you never know when that injury will rear it's ugly head again.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: celticsclay on December 07, 2017, 02:59:01 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract

cavs currently are averaging as much points against as ppg  :o

For the season, maybe.   They had some horrendous defensive efforts in their early games.  But not "currently".

Over the last 13 games (their current winning streak), the Cavs have scored 116.2 points per 100 possessions and given up only 105.4 points per 100.   Those numbers would rank 1st and 4th in team rankings for offense.   They've notably held their opponents to under 100 points in 6 of their last 9 games.

People who dismissed the Cavs because of their rough start to the season were probably more than a bit ... premature.

Their winning streak has included wins against 2 teams that will probably make the playoffs (Philly and Detroit). Acting like they have solved their issues beating up on Atlanta, Sacramento, New York, Brooklyn, Dallas and a crumbling Clippers team is a bit.... premature.

January is when they really get a legit schedule. 11 of their 13 games are against teams that will probably make the playoffs including Boston, Golden State and San Antonio. If they rip through that stretch than by all means, give them all sorts of credit. I suspect they will come crashing down to earth then. They have that schedule then cause their schedule now is so easy.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: Moranis on December 07, 2017, 03:01:23 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract

cavs currently are averaging as much points against as ppg  :o

For the season, maybe.   They had some horrendous defensive efforts in their early games.  But not "currently".

Over the last 13 games (their current winning streak), the Cavs have scored 116.2 points per 100 possessions and given up only 105.4 points per 100.   Those numbers would rank 1st and 4th in team rankings for offense.   They've notably held their opponents to under 100 points in 6 of their last 9 games.

People who dismissed the Cavs because of their rough start to the season were probably more than a bit ... premature.

Their winning streak has included wins against 2 teams that will probably make the playoffs (Philly and Detroit). Acting like they have solved their issues beating up on Atlanta, Sacramento, New York, Brooklyn, Dallas and a crumbling Clippers team is a bit.... premature.
The C's probably only beat 6 playoff teams in its win streak.  Do you hold them to the same standard?
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: celticsclay on December 07, 2017, 03:01:50 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract
The Cavs are awesome because of Lebron.  He had to play 41 minutes to pull out a victory against the KIngs.  A game where 3 of their starters scored a total of 10 points total.  They're starting Calderon for goodness sake.  A healthy IT will be able to carry some of the offensive load allowing them to reduce Lebron's minutes a bit and allowing Lebron to give a bit more effort on defense.

Its a nice dream Tazz
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: celticsclay on December 07, 2017, 03:03:11 PM
Who cares ::)
The Cavs are the only Eastern Conference Team that can (and probably will) be favored against the Celtics in the playoffs and a lot of that will rest on the health of Thomas.  Thus, we all should care.

I think his bigger point is this particular update. It is probably the 6th update there has been on him since the season started (Including one poster saying he looked closer to returning because of how much he was jumping around on the bench). Im mildly interested in it, but I can understand why people don't care about a 4 on 4 scrimmage also.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: celticsclay on December 07, 2017, 03:05:22 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract

cavs currently are averaging as much points against as ppg  :o

For the season, maybe.   They had some horrendous defensive efforts in their early games.  But not "currently".

Over the last 13 games (their current winning streak), the Cavs have scored 116.2 points per 100 possessions and given up only 105.4 points per 100.   Those numbers would rank 1st and 4th in team rankings for offense.   They've notably held their opponents to under 100 points in 6 of their last 9 games.

People who dismissed the Cavs because of their rough start to the season were probably more than a bit ... premature.

Their winning streak has included wins against 2 teams that will probably make the playoffs (Philly and Detroit). Acting like they have solved their issues beating up on Atlanta, Sacramento, New York, Brooklyn, Dallas and a crumbling Clippers team is a bit.... premature.
The C's probably only beat 6 playoff teams in its win streak.  Do you hold them to the same standard?

The fact that it included 3 times as many playoffs teams (including golden state) and was longer. Yea sure it is better. Is that the dumbest question you have ever asked me? Probably.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: SHAQATTACK on December 07, 2017, 03:06:50 PM
Thomas is cooked. Should have had the surgery to repair the hip.

Oh well, at least Ainge was smart enough to trade his damaged goods while he still could.

That tear does not fix itself , he just waited for it to calm down. Just weakened scar tissue .   IT has to play way harder than a 6 3" guy does to make up for his lack of height .   The physical beating of pushing his body to get his incredible shots and the crazy effort a little guy like him has to put forth on defense has me doubting the longevity of his healing.  Lebron is going tomhave to play his and ITs man too. 
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: Ilikesports17 on December 07, 2017, 03:09:13 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract

cavs currently are averaging as much points against as ppg  :o

For the season, maybe.   They had some horrendous defensive efforts in their early games.  But not "currently".

Over the last 13 games (their current winning streak), the Cavs have scored 116.2 points per 100 possessions and given up only 105.4 points per 100.   Those numbers would rank 1st and 4th in team rankings for offense.   They've notably held their opponents to under 100 points in 6 of their last 9 games.

People who dismissed the Cavs because of their rough start to the season were probably more than a bit ... premature.

Their winning streak has included wins against 2 teams that will probably make the playoffs (Philly and Detroit). Acting like they have solved their issues beating up on Atlanta, Sacramento, New York, Brooklyn, Dallas and a crumbling Clippers team is a bit.... premature.
The C's probably only beat 6 playoff teams in its win streak.  Do you hold them to the same standard?
First, 6 is a lot more than 2

Second, absolutely. The Celtics win streak was in large part a product of scheduling. Outside of Toronto and GSW they didn't plan an impressive host of teams. As bad as our strength of schedule was, Cleveland has been way worse.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: celticsclay on December 07, 2017, 03:12:43 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract

cavs currently are averaging as much points against as ppg  :o

For the season, maybe.   They had some horrendous defensive efforts in their early games.  But not "currently".

Over the last 13 games (their current winning streak), the Cavs have scored 116.2 points per 100 possessions and given up only 105.4 points per 100.   Those numbers would rank 1st and 4th in team rankings for offense.   They've notably held their opponents to under 100 points in 6 of their last 9 games.

People who dismissed the Cavs because of their rough start to the season were probably more than a bit ... premature.

Their winning streak has included wins against 2 teams that will probably make the playoffs (Philly and Detroit). Acting like they have solved their issues beating up on Atlanta, Sacramento, New York, Brooklyn, Dallas and a crumbling Clippers team is a bit.... premature.
The C's probably only beat 6 playoff teams in its win streak.  Do you hold them to the same standard?
First, 6 is a lot more than 2

Second, absolutely. The Celtics win streak was in large part a product of scheduling. Outside of Toronto and GSW they didn't plan an impressive host of teams. As bad as our strength of schedule was, Cleveland has been way worse.

Thanks for this. I was hoping someone else would comment on the absurdity of this...wow
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: Moranis on December 07, 2017, 04:00:47 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract

cavs currently are averaging as much points against as ppg  :o

For the season, maybe.   They had some horrendous defensive efforts in their early games.  But not "currently".

Over the last 13 games (their current winning streak), the Cavs have scored 116.2 points per 100 possessions and given up only 105.4 points per 100.   Those numbers would rank 1st and 4th in team rankings for offense.   They've notably held their opponents to under 100 points in 6 of their last 9 games.

People who dismissed the Cavs because of their rough start to the season were probably more than a bit ... premature.

Their winning streak has included wins against 2 teams that will probably make the playoffs (Philly and Detroit). Acting like they have solved their issues beating up on Atlanta, Sacramento, New York, Brooklyn, Dallas and a crumbling Clippers team is a bit.... premature.
The C's probably only beat 6 playoff teams in its win streak.  Do you hold them to the same standard?
First, 6 is a lot more than 2

Second, absolutely. The Celtics win streak was in large part a product of scheduling. Outside of Toronto and GSW they didn't plan an impressive host of teams. As bad as our strength of schedule was, Cleveland has been way worse.
Cavs next 2 games are against likely playoff teams (or at least probable).  Win those and it closes the gap.  now the C's did have the Spurs, Warriors, and Raptors, teams well above .500, something Cleveland doesn't have, but there isn't much difference between bad teams (i.e the Hornets and Hawks really aren't much different thus far).  And the Cavs, before the streak, did beat Boston, Washington, and Milwaukee twice so it isn't like they don't have some solid wins on the year with most of their losses being to bad teams (post-streak Boston has also added wins against Philly, Indy, and Milwaukee while losing to Detroit among a loss to a bad team and some wins over bad teams). 

My point was simply, it isn't exactly like Boston went through a murderers row during its 16 game streak.  It was filled with a lot of bad teams and only a few good ones.
Title: Re: IT4 "scrimmaged" at Cavs practice today
Post by: mmmmm on December 07, 2017, 05:24:38 PM
Hope he makes the cavs worse

I am not sure if you are joking or not. However this is possible. The cavs have an awesome offense and really don't need to improve. There problem at times has been defense and IT may make it worse. I feel bad for him from a pay day perspective cause I think he could earn a bigger contract

cavs currently are averaging as much points against as ppg  :o

For the season, maybe.   They had some horrendous defensive efforts in their early games.  But not "currently".

Over the last 13 games (their current winning streak), the Cavs have scored 116.2 points per 100 possessions and given up only 105.4 points per 100.   Those numbers would rank 1st and 4th in team rankings for offense.   They've notably held their opponents to under 100 points in 6 of their last 9 games.

People who dismissed the Cavs because of their rough start to the season were probably more than a bit ... premature.

Their winning streak has included wins against 2 teams that will probably make the playoffs (Philly and Detroit). Acting like they have solved their issues beating up on Atlanta, Sacramento, New York, Brooklyn, Dallas and a crumbling Clippers team is a bit.... premature.

January is when they really get a legit schedule. 11 of their 13 games are against teams that will probably make the playoffs including Boston, Golden State and San Antonio. If they rip through that stretch than by all means, give them all sorts of credit. I suspect they will come crashing down to earth then. They have that schedule then cause their schedule now is so easy.

First off, my point wasn't to compare their defense or their streak with Boston's.  Just to point out that the Cavs have played significantly and measurably better defense recently.

Per basketball-reference, the Cavs have a Strength Of Schedule (SOS) rating of -1.51, which indeed is pretty weak, ranking dead last at 30th.

But for reference, the Celtics have an SOS rating of just -0.84, or 27th.   Not a lot more impressive.

Now, it is also important to keep in mind that both teams, the Celtics and the Cavs are together responsible for dishing out a lot of losses to common opponents, suppressing the W-L records of their opponents and thus holding down their mutual SOS.   Those team's W-L records are better served by playing games NOT involving CLE or BOS.   In other words, there is a bit of a feedback effect that won't get washed out until teams have played a lot more games.   This early in the year, the top SOS teams tend to be teams that have lost a lot while the lowest SOS teams tend to be the stronger teams.   At the top of the rankings we currently have PHI, MEM, DAL & CHA while at the bottom you have BOS, SAS, POR & CLE.  That will redistribute as the season progresses.

So, in reality, the "true" strength of schedule for both the Cavs and the Celtics is probably higher than the current ratings would indicate.

But it does indicate that their overall strength of schedule has probably not been all that different from ours.