CLEVELAND, Ohio — The last time these Cavs resembled title contenders, spring hadn’t started yet, and basketball fans had just received their March Madness brackets. A lot can change in a month, including an Eastern Conference contender’s perception. In the 16 games since their (most recent) 16-game winning streak, which lasted through March 14, Cleveland has played .500 basketball. Eight wins, eight losses, 17th-ranked defense over its final 15 games, mediocre basketball. What happened? The answer, as you’ll learn starting Sunday against the Heat, is malaise. Deep into the 82-game season, players lose focus. Teams rest stars. Winning means less, especially for a top seed with a commanding lead over second-place Boston. “I hope that’s what it was. I think that’s what it was,” forward Max Strus said Friday. “But no way to know for sure until we start playing on Sunday. I think our guys will be focused and ready to bring it when the playoffs start.” Strus’s Cavs are about to remind us what a focused Cleveland team can do. Namely, I’m calling for a dominant sweep of the Miami Heat that renews this fanbase’s dream of hanging a banner. Eight first-round playoff series will begin this weekend. The Cavs will finish Round 1 with the highest point differential. Remember why? Think back: Cleveland boasts the NBA’s best offense, which is still true after the Cavs’ late-season shooting slump. Their defense ranks eighth. And during 11 games in February, when Cleveland had its foot on the gas pedal, only the Oklahoma City Thunder had a higher defensive rating. These are championship metrics. And even if you expect some playoff regression, it’s important to note: The Heat/Hawks are the worst Round 1 opponent Cleveland has played in the Core Four era. Cleveland’s last two first-round opponents (Knicks and Magic) won 47 regular games apiece. These Heat won 37, and it’s hard to find an advantage they can exploit against Cleveland. Miami ranks 21st in offensive rating and 27th in free throw attempts per game. They make 2.2 fewer 3-pointers per game than Cleveland. And the Cavs averaged 117 points per game against the Heat’s ninth-ranked defense. Maybe coach Erik Spoelstra can find a wrinkle that confuses Cleveland, but it won’t last. The Cavs are deeper and, with respect to former All-Star center Bam Adebayo and 2025 All-Star guard Tyler Herro, have better top-end talent. Better offense, better defense, better team. And they’re about to remind us how good they are when engaged. Yes, Cleveland finished the season below its standard. But I’m betting that, beginning Sunday evening, we’ll realize how bored the team was in late March and April. The real Cavs are championship contenders. And if you don’t believe me yet, you will after this first-round sweep. “I think we’ll be very energized,” Okoro said. “Come Sunday night, you know Cleveland fans are going to show up, show out. So once we get that floor, I just can’t wait. I’m ready to go.”