The 2017-18 Cleveland Cavaliers season was marked by significant roster changes and an impressive playoff run. The Cavaliers finished the regular season with a 50-32 record, placing them fourth in the Eastern Conference. The season was notable for LeBron James’ outstanding performance, as he averaged 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, playing all 82 games for the first time in his career.
During the season, the Cavaliers made several key trades. In February, the team traded Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. They also acquired George Hill and Rodney Hood in a three-team deal involving the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings. These moves aimed to revitalize the roster and provide better support for James as the team sought another championship run.
In the playoffs, the Cavaliers faced a challenging path to the NBA Finals. They defeated the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game first-round series and swept the top-seeded Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers overcame the Boston Celtics in another seven-game series, advancing to the NBA Finals for the fourth consecutive year.
Ultimately, the Cavaliers were swept by the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, marking LeBron James’ last season with Cleveland before joining the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the turbulent season, the Cavaliers’ ability to reach the Finals demonstrated their resilience and LeBron James’ pivotal role in the team’s success.
- Regular Season Record: 50-32
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-3, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-0, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-3, NBA Finals: 0-4
Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats for 2017-18 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| LeBron James | 82 | 27.5 | 8.6 | 9.1 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 36.7 | 22 | 34.0 | 9.1 | 9.0 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 34.2 |
| Kevin Love | 59 | 17.6 | 9.3 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 41.5 | 21 | 14.9 | 10.2 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 34.0 |
| Isaiah Thomas | 15 | 14.7 | 2.1 | 4.5 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 25.3 | |||||||
| Jordan Clarkson | 28 | 12.6 | 2.1 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 40.7 | 19 | 4.7 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 23.9 |
| Dwyane Wade | 46 | 11.2 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 32.9 | |||||||
| Jeff Green | 78 | 10.8 | 3.2 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 31.2 | 22 | 7.7 | 2.4 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 30.0 |
| Rodney Hood | 21 | 10.8 | 2.6 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 35.2 | 17 | 5.4 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 16.7 |
| Derrick Rose | 16 | 9.8 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 25.0 | |||||||
| George Hill | 24 | 9.4 | 2.7 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 35.1 | 19 | 9.2 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 31.4 |
| Kyle Korver | 73 | 9.2 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 43.6 | 22 | 8.3 | 2.4 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 41.3 |
| Larry Nance Jr. | 24 | 8.9 | 7.0 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 12.5 | 20 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.0 |
| Jae Crowder | 53 | 8.6 | 3.3 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 32.8 | |||||||
| J.R. Smith | 80 | 8.3 | 2.9 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 37.5 | 22 | 8.7 | 2.7 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 36.7 |
| Tristan Thompson | 53 | 5.8 | 6.6 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 19 | 6.2 | 5.9 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Channing Frye | 44 | 4.8 | 2.5 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 33.3 | |||||||
| José Calderón | 57 | 4.5 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 46.4 | 13 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 22.2 |
| Iman Shumpert | 14 | 4.4 | 2.9 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 26.9 | |||||||
| Cedi Osman | 61 | 3.9 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 36.8 | 14 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 14.3 |
| Ante Žižić | 32 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 8 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Kendrick Perkins | 1 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |||||||
| John Holland | 24 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 30.6 | |||||||
| London Perrantes | 14 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | |||||||
Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Indiana Pacers
In the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced off against the Indiana Pacers in a hard-fought seven-game series. LeBron James was instrumental in leading the Cavs, delivering a series of stellar performances, including a memorable 45-point effort in Game 7 to secure the series victory. Despite their struggles, Cleveland's resilience and LeBron's brilliance were pivotal in overcoming Indiana's relentless challenge.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 15, 2018 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 98-80 | |
| Apr 18, 2018 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 100-97 | |
| Apr 20, 2018 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 92-90 | |
| Apr 22, 2018 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 104-100 | |
| Apr 25, 2018 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 98-95 | |
| Apr 27, 2018 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 121-87 | |
| Apr 29, 2018 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 105-101 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Toronto Raptors
In the 2018 NBA Playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Toronto Raptors in the second round and dominated the series, securing a clean sweep with a 4-0 victory. LeBron James delivered a masterful performance throughout the series, averaging 34 points per game and hitting a series-clinching buzzer-beater in Game 3. This decisive triumph underscored Cleveland's playoff prowess and continued their psychological edge over the Raptors, whom they had eliminated for the third consecutive year.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 01, 2018 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 113-112 | |
| May 03, 2018 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 128-110 | |
| May 05, 2018 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 105-103 | |
| May 07, 2018 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 128-93 |
2018 Conference Championship vs. Boston Celtics
In the 2018 NBA Playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by a masterful LeBron James, reached the Eastern Conference Finals where they faced the Boston Celtics. Despite challenging games and a gritty Celtics team, LeBron's exceptional performances, including a 46-point game in the crucial Game 6, propelled the Cavaliers to a hard-fought series victory in seven games. This victory marked the fourth consecutive NBA Finals appearance for the Cavaliers, showcasing LeBron's dominance in the Eastern Conference during that era.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2018 | @ Boston Celtics | L 108-83 | |
| May 15, 2018 | @ Boston Celtics | L 107-94 | |
| May 19, 2018 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 116-86 | |
| May 21, 2018 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 111-102 | |
| May 23, 2018 | @ Boston Celtics | L 96-83 | |
| May 25, 2018 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 109-99 | |
| May 27, 2018 | @ Boston Celtics | W 87-79 |
2018 NBA Finals vs. Golden State Warriors
In the 2018 NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced off against the Golden State Warriors for the fourth consecutive year. Despite LeBron James' heroic performances, including a 51-point outburst in Game 1, the Cavaliers were ultimately outmatched and swept in the series, highlighting the Warriors' depth and dominance. This series marked LeBron's final games with Cleveland before his move to the Los Angeles Lakers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 31, 2018 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 124-114 | |
| Jun 03, 2018 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 122-103 | |
| Jun 06, 2018 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 110-102 | |
| Jun 08, 2018 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 108-85 |
Cleveland Cavaliers 2017-18 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2017-18 season for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2017 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 102-99 | |
| Oct 20, 2017 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 116-97 | |
| Oct 21, 2017 | vs. Orlando Magic | L 114-93 | |
| Oct 24, 2017 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 119-112 | |
| Oct 25, 2017 | @ Brooklyn Nets | L 112-107 | |
| Oct 28, 2017 | @ New Orleans Pelicans | L 123-101 | |
| Oct 29, 2017 | vs. New York Knicks | L 114-95 | |
| Nov 01, 2017 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 124-107 | |
| Nov 03, 2017 | @ Washington Wizards | W 130-122 | |
| Nov 05, 2017 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 117-115 | |
| Nov 07, 2017 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 124-119 | |
| Nov 09, 2017 | @ Houston Rockets | L 117-113 | |
| Nov 11, 2017 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 111-104 | |
| Nov 13, 2017 | @ New York Knicks | W 104-101 | |
| Nov 15, 2017 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 115-107 | |
| Nov 17, 2017 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 118-113 | |
| Nov 20, 2017 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 116-88 | |
| Nov 22, 2017 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W 119-109 | |
| Nov 24, 2017 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 100-99 | |
| Nov 27, 2017 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 113-91 | |
| Nov 28, 2017 | vs. Miami Heat | W 108-97 | |
| Nov 30, 2017 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 121-114 | |
| Dec 02, 2017 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 116-111 | |
| Dec 04, 2017 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 113-91 | |
| Dec 06, 2017 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 101-95 | |
| Dec 08, 2017 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 106-102 | |
| Dec 09, 2017 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 105-98 | |
| Dec 12, 2017 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 123-114 | |
| Dec 14, 2017 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 121-112 | |
| Dec 16, 2017 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 109-100 | |
| Dec 17, 2017 | @ Washington Wizards | W 106-99 | |
| Dec 19, 2017 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 119-116 | |
| Dec 21, 2017 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 115-112 | |
| Dec 25, 2017 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 99-92 | |
| Dec 27, 2017 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 109-95 | |
| Dec 30, 2017 | @ Utah Jazz | L 104-101 | |
| Jan 02, 2018 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 127-110 | |
| Jan 03, 2018 | @ Boston Celtics | L 102-88 | |
| Jan 06, 2018 | @ Orlando Magic | W 131-127 | |
| Jan 08, 2018 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 127-99 | |
| Jan 11, 2018 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 133-99 | |
| Jan 12, 2018 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 97-95 | |
| Jan 15, 2018 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 118-108 | |
| Jan 18, 2018 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 104-103 | |
| Jan 20, 2018 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | L 148-124 | |
| Jan 23, 2018 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 114-102 | |
| Jan 26, 2018 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 115-108 | |
| Jan 28, 2018 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 121-104 | |
| Jan 30, 2018 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 125-114 | |
| Jan 31, 2018 | vs. Miami Heat | W 91-89 | |
| Feb 03, 2018 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 120-88 | |
| Feb 06, 2018 | @ Orlando Magic | L 116-98 | |
| Feb 07, 2018 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 140-138 | |
| Feb 09, 2018 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 123-107 | |
| Feb 11, 2018 | @ Boston Celtics | W 121-99 | |
| Feb 13, 2018 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | W 120-112 | |
| Feb 22, 2018 | vs. Washington Wizards | L 110-103 | |
| Feb 23, 2018 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 112-89 | |
| Feb 25, 2018 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 110-94 | |
| Feb 27, 2018 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W 129-123 | |
| Mar 01, 2018 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 108-97 | |
| Mar 03, 2018 | vs. Denver Nuggets | L 126-117 | |
| Mar 05, 2018 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 112-90 | |
| Mar 07, 2018 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 113-108 | |
| Mar 09, 2018 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 116-102 | |
| Mar 11, 2018 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 127-113 | |
| Mar 13, 2018 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 129-107 | |
| Mar 15, 2018 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 113-105 | |
| Mar 17, 2018 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 114-109 | |
| Mar 19, 2018 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 124-117 | |
| Mar 21, 2018 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 132-129 | |
| Mar 23, 2018 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 120-95 | |
| Mar 25, 2018 | @ Brooklyn Nets | W 121-114 | |
| Mar 27, 2018 | @ Miami Heat | L 98-79 | |
| Mar 28, 2018 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 118-105 | |
| Mar 30, 2018 | vs. New Orleans Pelicans | W 107-102 | |
| Apr 01, 2018 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 98-87 | |
| Apr 03, 2018 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 112-106 | |
| Apr 05, 2018 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 119-115 | |
| Apr 06, 2018 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 132-130 | |
| Apr 09, 2018 | @ New York Knicks | W 123-109 | |
| Apr 11, 2018 | vs. New York Knicks | L 110-98 |