Cleveland Cavaliers may have finally found a way back into contention without LeBron James

The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t get their 13th victory in 2018-19 until after the All-Star break on Feb. 21. The Cavs didn’t reach 13 victories until January of the 2019-20 season and it took 34 games to get 13 wins last season.

Cleveland hit No. 13 in just 24 games this season, a sign the franchise has emerged post-LeBron James with a bright future.

“It is a unique blend of guys whose character and makeup put the team bigger than themselves,” Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff told USA TODAY Sports. “They have talent, obviously. The long-lasting thing in this league that you learn, talent and chemistry gives you an opportunity to accomplish great things.”

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