For example, the Cavaliers, in the earlier years, made a name for themselves with tougher opposition than any other team, and in '92 they pushed the Dynasty Team Bulls to a game seven in the Eastern finals.
After they gained prominence, the referee whistles in their games were always lenient; relying on tougher confrontation and defense, until last season, the Cavaliers were still in the top four in the East.
But after transitioning through the past two seasons, as the NBA entered the era of iron and blood, the Cavaliers' style became very—ordinary? Or perhaps ubiquitous?
Every team began emphasizing high confrontation and slow pace, leaving the Cavaliers no longer special; their record so far this new season is only ninth. Although they still present headaches in the playoffs, whether they can even make the playoffs is uncertain.
