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Cleveland Cavaliers take a beating on the court and off: Social media reactions

See how social media reacted to the Cavs disappointing exit in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

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CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs Wednesday night after, once again, being physically dominated in game 5 by the New York Knicks.

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The "young and exciting" Cavs certainly lived up to one of those adjectives after falling in five games after being widely picked as favorites in their first playoff series since 2018.

As the Cavaliers look towards a pivotal offseason to try and steer the ship in the right direction, some of the folks on social media were lined up to take their shots at Cavs players, coaching and front office staff. While others took a moment to salute the team for getting to the playoffs for the first time since LeBron James departed five years ago.

Social media reacts to the Cavaliers being eliminated from the 2023 NBA Playoffs:

WKYC Staff

Tough to overstate how disappointing this series was for the Cavs. Completely overshadows an otherwise fun season. Absolutely the kind of series that should make you evaluate where you really are this offseason, which could lead to some tough decisions.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) April 27, 2023

This effort. In front of your home crowd. With the season on the line.

Not good. Not good at all. #Cavs
— Nick Camino (@NickCaminoWKYC) April 27, 2023

I would have had minimal issues had the #Cavs lost in seven playing some semblance of hard-fought basketball.

But it just wasn't there. Physically dominated. Outworked. The moment was WAY too big.

There are some discussions to be had and potentially tough decisions to be made
— Dave DeNatale (@dinocleveland) April 27, 2023

There will be a lot of tough conversations... A very good season overall & I still believe in most of the core group, but the end was nothing short of embarrassing. https://t.co/R0560uJdif
— Tyler Carey (@TC_CLE) April 27, 2023

Trending on Twitter: Fire JB (Bickerstaff)

Fire JB Bickerstaff pic.twitter.com/qC46Hg1yKX
— Guilherme Fauth (@Gui16Fauth) April 27, 2023

Probably the most disappointed I've been with a Cavs team. The heart and joy I've seen the Cavs play with was entirely gone the entire season. Can't even fault the knicks. I'll see ya'll next season maybe. Fire JB, trade Allen
— Charmin Allen (@brickwallfor) April 27, 2023

Also fire JB and get Nick Nurse
— The Daws (@silent_lasagna6) April 27, 2023

Cavs bigs: Out-physicalled, out-rebounded

7 offensive boards in one quarter and your starting center is under contract for $100 million. 😬 #LetEmKnow
— Nick Pedone (@NickPedone12) April 26, 2023

Mitchell Robinson has more offensive rebounds than any single #Cavs player has total rebounds.
— Danny Cunningham (@RealDCunningham) April 27, 2023

Mitchell Robinson is going to need a lawyer after this series for what he's done to Evan Mobley & Jarrett Allen.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 27, 2023

Donovan Mitchell

Well, at least we’ll always have that meaningful 71 point game by Donovan Mitchell. @ultCLEsports
— Adam the Bull (@adamthebull) April 27, 2023

The Knicks were eviscerated by pundits for not acquiring Donovan Mitchell and giving Jalen Brunson a descending 4yr/$104mil deal. Brunson just led NYK past Mitchell and the Cavs in the first round in 5 games and, in doing so, sent Mitchell home for the second year in a row.
— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) April 27, 2023

Donovan Mitchell tomorrow pic.twitter.com/XMRZcgRx7D
— Cynical (@cynicalknicks) April 27, 2023

Donovan Mitchell colossal no show for Cleveland. Completely unacceptable. #LetEmKnow
— Peter Yannopoulos (@PeteYannopoulos) April 27, 2023

We might have to start having that conversation about Donovan Mitchell. Completely new team and you still go out in the first round? The problem might be him 🤷🏽‍♂️
— RondoThaGodd (@rondothagodd) April 27, 2023

A case for optimism?

Still a young team. Need to learn from this.

It stings, it sucks right now but it’s all about what they do with it next year

Still a hell of a ride and a season. #Cavs basketball is back, future is bright.
— Matt Fontana (@MattFontana83) April 27, 2023

Here is the good news:

Darius Garland is really good.
Donovan Mitchell is really good.
Evan Mobley is really good. He's going to get tougher and stronger.

The team can't deny roster changes must be made. Let's be mad and see what they do. There are worse places to be.
— David Zavac (@DavidZavac) April 27, 2023

Watch our friends over at the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show's instant reaction after Wednesday night's loss below.

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