The 2016-17 Cleveland Cavaliers were coming off their historic 2015-16 NBA Championship win, and expectations were high for another strong season. Under the leadership of head coach Tyronn Lue, the Cavaliers finished the regular season with a 51-31 record, securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference. LeBron James continued to be the centerpiece of the team, delivering another stellar season with averages of 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. Kyrie Irving also played a crucial role, contributing 25.2 points and 5.8 assists per contest.
Cleveland’s regular season was characterized by strong offensive play, ranking fourth in the league in points per game with an average of 110.3. However, their defense posed challenges, as they ranked 20th in defensive efficiency. The Cavaliers made strategic mid-season acquisitions, including Kyle Korver, to bolster their three-point shooting and overall depth.
In the playoffs, the Cavaliers showed their championship pedigree by sweeping the Indiana Pacers in the first round and the Toronto Raptors in the second round. They faced a tougher challenge in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics but emerged victorious in five games, securing their third consecutive NBA Finals appearance. However, the Golden State Warriors, bolstered by the addition of Kevin Durant, proved too formidable in the Finals. The Cavaliers were defeated in five games, with the Warriors reclaiming the title. Despite the loss, the season reaffirmed the Cavaliers’ status as a dominant force in the Eastern Conference.
- Regular Season Record: 51-31
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-0, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-0, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-1, NBA Finals: 1-4
Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats for 2016-17 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| LeBron James | 74 | 26.4 | 8.6 | 8.7 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 36.3 | 18 | 32.8 | 9.1 | 7.8 | 1.9 | 1.3 | 41.1 |
| Kyrie Irving | 72 | 25.2 | 3.2 | 5.8 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 40.1 | 18 | 25.9 | 2.8 | 5.3 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 37.3 |
| Kevin Love | 60 | 19.0 | 11.1 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 37.3 | 18 | 16.8 | 10.6 | 1.7 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 45.0 |
| Kyle Korver | 35 | 10.7 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 48.5 | 18 | 5.8 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 39.1 |
| Channing Frye | 74 | 9.1 | 3.9 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 40.9 | 12 | 7.3 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 51.3 |
| Dahntay Jones | 1 | 9.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 10 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 50.0 |
| J.R. Smith | 41 | 8.6 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 35.1 | 18 | 8.1 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 50.0 |
| Tristan Thompson | 78 | 8.1 | 9.2 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 18 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.0 |
| Iman Shumpert | 76 | 7.5 | 2.9 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 36.0 | 17 | 4.4 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 38.5 |
| Deron Williams | 24 | 7.5 | 1.9 | 3.6 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 41.5 | 18 | 4.3 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 38.7 |
| Derrick Williams | 25 | 6.2 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 40.4 | 8 | 2.6 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 60.0 |
| Edy Tavares | 1 | 6.0 | 10.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 6.0 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Richard Jefferson | 79 | 5.7 | 2.6 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 33.3 | 14 | 3.9 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 26.3 |
| Mike Dunleavy | 23 | 4.6 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 35.1 | |||||||
| Jordan McRae | 37 | 4.4 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 35.3 | |||||||
| Kay Felder | 42 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 31.8 | |||||||
| James Jones | 48 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 47.0 | 8 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| DeAndre Liggins | 61 | 2.4 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 37.8 | |||||||
| Chris Andersen | 12 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Larry Sanders | 5 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Andrew Bogut | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |||||||
Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2017 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Indiana Pacers
In the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced off against the Indiana Pacers, sweeping the series 4-0. LeBron James delivered dominant performances throughout, including a remarkable 41-point outing in Game 3 that highlighted his leadership and clutch play. The Cavaliers' ability to execute in high-pressure moments and capitalize on offensive opportunities set the tone for their playoff run.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 15, 2017 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 109-108 | |
| Apr 17, 2017 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 117-111 | |
| Apr 20, 2017 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 119-114 | |
| Apr 23, 2017 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 106-102 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Toronto Raptors
In the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their dominance by sweeping the Toronto Raptors in four games. LeBron James was instrumental, averaging 36 points per game in the series and demonstrating his ability to take over games with clutch performances and all-around play. The Cavaliers' potent offense, combined with their defensive intensity, underscored their status as formidable contenders in the Eastern Conference.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 01, 2017 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 116-105 | |
| May 03, 2017 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 125-103 | |
| May 05, 2017 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 115-94 | |
| May 07, 2017 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 109-102 |
2017 Conference Championship vs. Boston Celtics
In the 2017 NBA Playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their dominance in the Eastern Conference Finals by sweeping the Boston Celtics 4-1. Led by the unstoppable LeBron James, the Cavaliers displayed an explosive offensive performance, highlighted by a series-clinching win in Game 5, where they overwhelmed the Celtics with their scoring prowess and defensive intensity. This victory propelled the Cavaliers to their third consecutive NBA Finals, further cementing their status as a powerhouse in the East.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 2017 | @ Boston Celtics | W 117-104 | |
| May 19, 2017 | @ Boston Celtics | W 130-86 | |
| May 21, 2017 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 111-108 | |
| May 23, 2017 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 112-99 | |
| May 25, 2017 | @ Boston Celtics | W 135-102 |
2017 NBA Finals vs. Golden State Warriors
In the 2017 NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Golden State Warriors in a highly anticipated rematch. Despite LeBron James' remarkable performances, the Cavaliers struggled to contain the Warriors' potent offense, ultimately falling in five games. The series highlighted the challenges Cleveland faced against a star-studded Golden State lineup, which included the addition of Kevin Durant.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 01, 2017 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 113-91 | |
| Jun 04, 2017 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 132-113 | |
| Jun 07, 2017 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 118-113 | |
| Jun 09, 2017 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 137-116 | |
| Jun 12, 2017 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 129-120 |
Cleveland Cavaliers 2016-17 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2016-17 season for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25, 2016 | vs. New York Knicks | W 117-88 | |
| Oct 28, 2016 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 94-91 | |
| Oct 29, 2016 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 105-99 | |
| Nov 01, 2016 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 128-120 | |
| Nov 03, 2016 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 128-122 | |
| Nov 05, 2016 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 102-101 | |
| Nov 08, 2016 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 110-106 | |
| Nov 11, 2016 | @ Washington Wizards | W 105-94 | |
| Nov 13, 2016 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 100-93 | |
| Nov 15, 2016 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 121-117 | |
| Nov 16, 2016 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 103-93 | |
| Nov 18, 2016 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 104-81 | |
| Nov 23, 2016 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 137-125 | |
| Nov 25, 2016 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 128-90 | |
| Nov 27, 2016 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 112-108 | |
| Nov 29, 2016 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 118-101 | |
| Dec 01, 2016 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | L 113-94 | |
| Dec 02, 2016 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 111-105 | |
| Dec 05, 2016 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 116-112 | |
| Dec 07, 2016 | @ New York Knicks | W 126-94 | |
| Dec 09, 2016 | vs. Miami Heat | W 114-84 | |
| Dec 10, 2016 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 116-105 | |
| Dec 13, 2016 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 103-86 | |
| Dec 14, 2016 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | L 93-85 | |
| Dec 17, 2016 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 119-108 | |
| Dec 20, 2016 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 114-108 | |
| Dec 21, 2016 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 113-102 | |
| Dec 23, 2016 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W 119-99 | |
| Dec 25, 2016 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 109-108 | |
| Dec 26, 2016 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 106-90 | |
| Dec 29, 2016 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 124-118 | |
| Dec 31, 2016 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 121-109 | |
| Jan 02, 2017 | vs. New Orleans Pelicans | W 90-82 | |
| Jan 04, 2017 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 106-94 | |
| Jan 06, 2017 | @ Brooklyn Nets | W 116-108 | |
| Jan 08, 2017 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 120-116 | |
| Jan 10, 2017 | @ Utah Jazz | L 100-92 | |
| Jan 11, 2017 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 102-86 | |
| Jan 13, 2017 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 120-108 | |
| Jan 16, 2017 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 126-91 | |
| Jan 19, 2017 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 118-103 | |
| Jan 21, 2017 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 118-115 | |
| Jan 23, 2017 | @ New Orleans Pelicans | L 124-122 | |
| Jan 25, 2017 | vs. Sacramento Kings | L 116-112 | |
| Jan 27, 2017 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W 124-116 | |
| Jan 29, 2017 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 107-91 | |
| Jan 30, 2017 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 104-97 | |
| Feb 01, 2017 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 125-97 | |
| Feb 04, 2017 | @ New York Knicks | W 111-104 | |
| Feb 06, 2017 | @ Washington Wizards | W 140-135 | |
| Feb 08, 2017 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 132-117 | |
| Feb 09, 2017 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | L 118-109 | |
| Feb 11, 2017 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 125-109 | |
| Feb 14, 2017 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 116-108 | |
| Feb 15, 2017 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 113-104 | |
| Feb 23, 2017 | vs. New York Knicks | W 119-104 | |
| Feb 25, 2017 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 117-99 | |
| Feb 27, 2017 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 102-95 | |
| Mar 01, 2017 | @ Boston Celtics | L 103-99 | |
| Mar 03, 2017 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 135-130 | |
| Mar 04, 2017 | @ Miami Heat | L 120-92 | |
| Mar 06, 2017 | vs. Miami Heat | L 106-98 | |
| Mar 09, 2017 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 106-101 | |
| Mar 11, 2017 | @ Orlando Magic | W 116-104 | |
| Mar 12, 2017 | @ Houston Rockets | L 117-112 | |
| Mar 14, 2017 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 128-96 | |
| Mar 16, 2017 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 91-83 | |
| Mar 18, 2017 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 108-78 | |
| Mar 19, 2017 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 125-120 | |
| Mar 22, 2017 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 126-113 | |
| Mar 24, 2017 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 112-105 | |
| Mar 25, 2017 | vs. Washington Wizards | L 127-115 | |
| Mar 27, 2017 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 103-74 | |
| Mar 30, 2017 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 99-93 | |
| Mar 31, 2017 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 122-105 | |
| Apr 02, 2017 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 135-130 | |
| Apr 04, 2017 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 122-102 | |
| Apr 05, 2017 | @ Boston Celtics | W 114-91 | |
| Apr 07, 2017 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 114-100 | |
| Apr 09, 2017 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 126-125 | |
| Apr 10, 2017 | @ Miami Heat | L 124-121 | |
| Apr 12, 2017 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 98-83 |