As the NBA season has started, the Cleveland Cavaliers have stunned the league, boasting a perfect 12-0 record. This is a remarkable turnaround from the previous season, where the Cavaliers finished as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference. Their 2023-2024 campaign saw them battle through a grueling first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic, ultimately winning 4-3. However, their postseason hopes were dashed when they faced the Boston Celtics in the second round, losing the series 4-1.
Photo Cred: BBC
Following this disappointing playoff exit, the Cavaliers made a bold decision to part ways with head coach JB Bickerstaff. Bickerstaff, who had been with the organization since 2019 posted a 170-159 record during his tenure. He led the team to the play-in tournament and the playoffs twice. But despite the team’s occasional successes, there was a lingering sense of underachievement. Darius Garland, who had shown flashes of brilliance, struggled with consistency, and although Donovan Mitchell’s leadership led to wins, the team often lacked cohesion and failed to maintain momentum.
In the offseason, the Cavaliers refrained from making any major roster changes, opting instead for a leadership shift. They hired Kenny Atkinson, a seasoned assistant coach from the Golden State Warriors. Atkinson, who had helped guide the Warriors to an NBA championship in 2022, was handed the same roster Bickerstaff had but was tasked with maximizing its potential. After a summer of preparation, the results have been nothing short of extraordinary. The Cavaliers are now 11-0, becoming the first team since the 2015-16 Warriors, who finished the season 73-9, to start a season with 10 consecutive wins.
Photo Cred: Cleveland.com
Cleveland’s success can largely be attributed to their offensive firepower and unselfish team play. They lead the league in offensive rating and shooting percentage, with three of their starters averaging over 18 points per game—Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley—while Jarrett Allen closely follows with 14 points per game. Beyond individual performances, the Cavaliers have dominated opponents on both ends of the floor. Their recent 41-point halftime lead against the Golden State Warriors is a testament to their overwhelming dominance.
What’s most impressive is how fluid and cohesive the team has become under Atkinson’s leadership. Darius Garland, who had struggled to regain his All-Star form from 2022, has rediscovered his shooting touch. He’s playing with renewed confidence. Evan Mobley, now stronger and more assertive, has become a force in the paint, and Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen have continued their consistent, high-level play. The Cavaliers’ bench has also been a critical factor. They are contributing an impressive 40 points per game, ensuring that the team maintains its intensity even when the starters are resting.
Photo Cred: SI
Atkinson seems to have unlocked something special within this group. He transformed a team that once lacked consistency into a well-oiled machine. The Cavs are not just winning games—they’re dominating from start to finish. Fans and analysts alike can see a palpable shift in the team’s mentality. They play with freedom, selflessness, and confidence. If their early season form is any indication, the Cleveland Cavaliers are poised to be a serious contender for the championship this year.
