The Cleveland Cavaliers toppled the LA Clippers in a 33-point victory on the road. This game could have been an emotional letdown. But on the heels of a massive blockbuster trade, the Cavs stuck to business as usual.

These last few days have been a whirlwind. Trading Darius Garland for James Harden is one of the biggest swings this franchise has ever made. And while neither Garland nor Harden was on the floor tonight, it still felt like their presence could have loomed over the outcome.

It didn’t.

The Cavs looked unbothered by the seismic changes that happened to them overnight. This team was locked and loaded, playing the same brand of basketball they had in January. Cleveland has been in a groove recently, and this was another giant step in the right direction.

Newcomers Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis made an immediate impact. Schroder began the game by dicing into the lane for a scoop layup and then stealing the ball from Kawhi Leonard moments later. And that was only the first time he stole it from Leonard in the first half.

Ellis, while not as flashy, also showed his skills as a disruptive defender and fit seamlessly into Cleveland’s efforts on both ends of the floor.

Make no mistake, this was a team effort. Jaylon Tyson, Jarrett Allen, Sam Merrill, and Schroder all scored in double digits.

The crisp ball movement that has come to define the Cavs when they are at their best was present tonight. Everyone was involved, and the Clippers’ defense was in constant pursuit. The amount of on-ball creators this team has now that Tyson has emerged and Schroder has given them a boost is something to be excited about. Especially when considering James Harden is days away from his debut.

Cleveland is now 31-21 this season continues to trend upwards. They stand in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and could legitimately make a run at being a top-two seed after the All-Star break.