The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the biggest surprises of the NBA season and, without a doubt, have emerged as one of the best teams in the league. Currently holding the best record in the NBA, the Cavaliers boast a 7.5-game lead over the defending champion Boston Celtics for the number one seed in the East. While the Oklahoma City Thunder are right behind them in the West, Cleveland’s dominance has been impressive. They also possess the top-rated offense in the entire league.
Photo Cred: USA Today
This past week, the Cavaliers became the first and only team to clinch a playoff spot, ensuring they avoid the play-in tournament. They achieved this feat in just 62 games, a stark turnaround from their performance last season. Already surpassing their 2023-24 win total of 48, the Cavs currently sit at 53-10 with 19 games remaining. The most remarkable part is that this is the same roster as last year, with only one major change—head coach Kenny Atkinson replacing JB Bickerstaff. Atkinson has unlocked numerous aspects of the Cavs’ roster, leading to their stunning success.
While Bickerstaff instilled a strong defensive foundation, last season, the team often relied heavily on Donovan Mitchell to carry the offensive load. This year, Mitchell is playing fewer minutes and scoring less than last season, but the team is winning more games. The Cavaliers have had three separate double-digit winning streaks this season, largely due to Darius Garland returning to All-Star form. Evan Mobley has also taken significant strides in improving his offensive game, including developing a consistent three-point shot—making him even more difficult for defenses to handle. He is also in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.
Photo Cred: USA Today
The Cavs’ bench has been another critical factor in their success, with Ty Jerome and others contributing significantly. Despite already playing some of the best basketball in the league, the Cavaliers made a key trade at the deadline that has already paid dividends. The addition of De’Andre Hunter, a tall three-and-D wing, has provided the Cavs with an essential piece they had been missing. Hunter, a front-runner for Sixth Man of the Year, has made an immediate impact, and since his arrival, the Cavaliers have won 11 straight games.
With 19 games left in the regular season, the Cavaliers are focused on maintaining their momentum heading into the playoffs. Their magic number to secure the number one seed in the East is 12. Although the Celtics will likely be their primary playoff competition, the Cavaliers have proven they can compete with them, splitting their season series 2-2. The Cleveland Cavaliers have truly turned a corner this season, and they are poised to make a deep playoff run.
