Cleveland is the only remaining unbeaten team in the NBA this season and the Cavaliers’ 15-0 record will be put to the test against the defending champion Boston Celtics on the road this morning (Manila time). The Cavs’ winning margin is an average of 12.3 points with Golden State, Philadelphia, LA Lakers and Milwaukee among their early victims. But Cleveland has yet to face Boston and other powerhouse contenders like Oklahoma City, Denver, Minnesota and Phoenix.
In the offseason, Cleveland booted out head coach JB Bickerstaff and brought in Kenny Atkinson to take over a virtually intact lineup. There were no major roster changes as the Cavs decided to stick with their core, signing Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen to contract extensions. Cleveland survived Orlando in the first round of last year’s playoffs then bowed out in five games to Boston. Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman figured tension in the lockerroom was caused by Bickerstaff and chose Atkinson to right the ship.
Atkinson was the Brooklyn Nets head coach for four years and was an assistant with the LA Clippers and Golden State before jumping in. At the 2024 Olympics, he was on the French team’s coaching staff. His approach has always been up-tempo with a focus on three-point shooting. It’s no wonder that this season, Cleveland is No. 1 in field goal percentage (.521), field goals made (45.9), offense (123.4) and three-point percentage (.418). On the defensive end, the Cavs are No. 2 in rebounds allowed (41.4) and No. 7 in assists allowed (24.6).
Eight players have taken turns starting for the Cavs and Max Strus, who averaged 12.2 points last season, is still in the injured list with a severe right ankle sprain. Mitchell is averaging 24.6 points, Garland 21.1, Mobley 17.8, Allen 14.1 and Caris LeVert, 12.4. Five players are hitting at least 40 percent from beyond the arc with Ty Jerome at .533, LeVert .489, Garland .458, Isaac Okoro .457 and Mitchell .421.
What makes Cleveland unique is the versatility of its backcourt and frontcourt. Mitchell and Garland are interchangeable one-two guards while Mobley and Allen, both 6-11, are interchangeable four-fives. They’re called the perfect pairs. Athlon Sports NBA Preview said “if things result in a better flow offensively, the Cavs could be a sleeper in the East…they certainly have the talent; it’s all about bringing out the best in that talent.” So far this season, the offensive flow is evident and the result is the consequence. This morning’s game against the Celtics will be a gauge if the Cavs are for real.