The 1977–78 Cleveland Cavaliers season was the eighth season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Cavs finished the season 43–39 and were eliminated in the playoffs by the New York Knicks. The franchise would not make the playoffs until 1985.
Draft picks
Roster
Season standings
Notes z, y – division champions x – clinched playoff spot
Game log
|-style="background:#fcc;" | 3 || October 22, 1977 || @ Atlanta | L 101–107
| The Omni7,894 | 1–2
|-style="background:#cfc;" | 24 || December 10, 1977 || Atlanta | W 102–87
| Coliseum at Richfield6,766 | 14–10
|-style="background:#cfc;" | 42 || January 22, 1978 || Atlanta | W 93–89
| Coliseum at Richfield10,585 | 21–21
|-style="background:#cfc;" | 81 || April 7, 1978 || @ Atlanta | W 111–109
| The Omni9,631 | 42–39
Playoffs
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | April 12 | New York | L 114–132 | Campy Russell (23) | Elmore Smith (12) | Foots Walker (6) | Richfield Coliseum19,739 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | April 14 | @ New York | L 107–109 | Campy Russell (32) | Campy Russell (8) | Campy Russell (6) | Madison Square Garden18,965 | 0–2
References