Closeouts

I think that blowing huge leads on the road to Dallas and Miami last month has done something to the Cavaliers. Ever since then, they've become masters of the fourth quarter.
It was the story in Saturday's 106-99 win over the Heat at The Q. Much like against Boston a week ago, Saturday was a game the Cavs trailed for much of the first three quarters. But unlike previous such games, where you'd get the feeling the Cavs were just hanging around, waiting for the run that would put them away, Saturday felt like a tiger stalking dinner.
LeBron James was locked in a tremendous duel with Dwyane Wade. Both scored more than 40. But it was LeBron who was trying to figure out exactly what he needed to do to win the game. Repeatedly falling behind by seven or nine didn't deter him or his team.
With less than five minutes to play, the Cavs made their move, trading baskets with Miami, then putting together the string of hoops and free throws that won the game.
Granted, this win, the similar win against Boston, and last week's second-half domination of the Mavericks, all came at home. Sooner or later, the Cavs will have to figure out how to do this on the road.
But closing out games at home is a start. It is a sign that the light bulb has started to come on, and this team is beginning to behave like a contender.
Let's see them keep this mindset from now on.

For the record
Saturday's win pushed the Cavs' record to 43-29. It is the first time the Cavs have been 14 games over .500 since the 1992-93 season. I was in middle school. Kids currently in middle school weren't even born yet. You see what I mean when I say the Cavs are a blank slate when it comes to greatness.