The return of the prodigal son to Cleveland is undergoing growing pains as LeBron James and the Cavaliers struggle to fulfill lofty National Basketball Association expectations.
Despite being crowned favourites to win the NBA title by Las Vegas oddsmakers after James announced his return to Cleveland in July, the Cavs slipped to 5-6 after their third loss in a row in falling to the Washington Wizards on Friday.
The season is young, but there is clearly work to be done to turn James, new Cavalier Kevin Love and guard Kyrie Irving into a force under rookie NBA coach David Blatt.
“No one feels sorry for us,” four-time league most valuable player James told reporters after scoring 22 points in the 91-78 loss. “We have to figure out what needs to be done to win.”
The points total was the lowest of the season for the lackluster Cavs, who shot 36 percent, committed 19 turnovers and seemed to be moving in a lower gear than their hosts.
