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"It's almost like fool's gold" - Patrick Beverley exposes Cleveland's biggest problem
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- "It's almost like fool's gold" - Patrick Beverley exposes Cleveland's biggest problem
When talking about some of the biggest underperformers under the bright lights of the playoffs, at least when comparing them to their regular-season production, most will definitely point in the direction of James Harden . The man simply has a long history of delivering one bad performance after another when the series is on the line.
On the flip side, when that conversation turns to teams that spend the regular season near the top of their conference, only to shrink once the playoffs arrive, the modern-day Cleveland Cavaliers also come to mind.
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So, it is no surprise that the Wine and Gold squad is still looking for its post-LeBron title, and it seems that this version of the Cleveland squad has reached the point where simply being one of the best teams in the regular season isn't enough anymore.
It seems that this version of the Cleveland squad has reached the point where simply being one of the best teams in the regular season isn't enough anymore.
Yes, they have been one of the most consistent winning teams over the last few seasons, always hanging around the top of the East. However, once the lights get brighter and the postseason rolls around, something flips, and it always seems like something is missing. And if you ask Beverley, he is getting tired of watching that same old story year after year.
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"I am getting tired of the Cavs… I ain't gonna lie, I am getting tired of the Cavs, man," Beverley said in the recent episode of Pat Bev podcast. "Because they are one of the most talented teams, and that's even before James Harden got there. But no one is scared of the Cavs, it's almost like, the fool's gold."
Cleveland went all in
The Cavaliers certainly can't be accused of standing still.
In the middle of yet another competitive season in 2025-26, Cleveland decided it was time to push all the chips to the middle of the table. The Cavs moved Darius Garland in a deal for Harden, who is pushing 40, bringing in one of the most accomplished offensive players of his generation and making it clear that their championship window is right now.
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On paper, it did make sense as a win-now move. Well, sort of. Cleveland already had its No. 1 star in Donovan Mitchell, who had carried the team in the past with his offensive production. And when you add Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, who provided size and defense inside, as well as complementary pieces who were ready whenever their number was called, it seemed like the Cavs already had everything in place for a legitimate title hunt.
However, Cleveland decided to go in the direction of age and experience. Adding Harden gave them another elite ball-handler and playmaker, someone capable of taking pressure off Mitchell whenever opposing defenses focused most of their attention on him.
It just wasn't enough last season.
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Still, for Beverley, talent was never really Cleveland's problem in the first place. There is literally no part of the basketball game where the Cavs aren't at least competitive. Whether it is defense, switchability, athleticism, size, or simply the amount of offensive options they can throw at opponents, the weapons are there.
What isn't there, at least in Pat Bev's eyes, is that X-factor. That fear factor that makes opponents look at Cleveland on the schedule and know they are in for a long night.
Related: LeBron James hasn't made his Sixers debut, but is already breaking records
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No more excuses for the Cavaliers
This perhaps sums up best where Cleveland is at the moment. Last season, the Cavs got to 52 wins and fought through two Game 7 series in the opening round and conference semifinals, only to get swept by the eventual champions. At that point, their luck simply ran out.
For most teams, reaching the second round or making a deep playoff run can be viewed as a successful season. For this version of the Cavaliers, Beverley believes anything that does not include competing for the Larry O'Brien Trophy should be considered falling short.
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With the years continuing to pile up, there aren't many excuses left.
"Y'all got too much talent to be falling short," Beverley said. "And with that talent, short is playing for a championship."
The East is more competitive than ever, and battling it out on a nightly basis will definitely be the first step toward another title hunt. However, now is the time for those regular-season wins to finally translate when the games matter the most.
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Beverley sees it as a fear factor, and the Cavs simply haven't given anyone enough reason to fear them just yet. Maybe this is finally the season that changes.
Related: "He has the tools" – Kevin Durant explains why James Harden never became a great defender
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Oct 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
