The Cleveland Cavaliers are making waves in the NBA this season, achieving an unprecedented 10-0 start under new head coach Kenny Atkinson. In a high-energy matchup against the Golden State Warriors, the Cavaliers powered through with a 136-117 victory, marking a franchise record and an NBA first: starting the season with 10 consecutive wins while scoring over 110 points in each game.
Atkinson’s transition to the Cavaliers has been nothing short of extraordinary. Cleveland’s dynamic offense has them leading the league with an impressive 124.5 points per game and a .526 shooting percentage, a substantial increase from their average of 112.6 points per game and .479 field goal percentage last season. This early-season success, combined with Atkinson’s up-tempo style, has captivated both fans and analysts, positioning Cleveland as a major contender in the Eastern Conference.
Cavaliers on Fire: A Record-Breaking Start
The Cavaliers’ 10-0 start to the season is a historic achievement. Not only are they the first team to open a season with 10 wins while scoring at least 110 points in each game, but they also join elite company as the first team to achieve a 10-0 start since the 2015-16 Warriors. This explosive beginning underscores the transformation under Atkinson, whose offensive strategies have provided a fresh spark for the franchise.
For Atkinson, the milestone 10-0 start is a testament to the hard work and hunger of his players. “I was worried about tonight because the Warriors are champions,” he shared after the game. “That surprised me, how ready we were, how hungry we were. 10-0 is really something for our team.”
A Fast-Paced Offense Suited for Success
Atkinson’s system has been an ideal match for the Cavaliers’ roster, which already featured the same top nine players who reached the second round of last season’s playoffs. His high-powered, quick-tempo offense has turned Cleveland into the most efficient scoring team in the league, utilizing a play style that emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and shot efficiency. The Cavs’ pace has increased dramatically under Atkinson, resulting in a league-leading field goal percentage and impressive team cohesion.
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s star shooting guard, has fully embraced Atkinson’s fast-paced style, which aligns with his own strengths as a quick, scoring guard. All-Star guard Darius Garland has also flourished, scoring 27 points against the Warriors while facilitating an offense that allows everyone to get involved. “Everyone is making shots, and everyone is having fun,” said backup guard Ty Jerome, who scored a season-high 20 points in the game. “And Donovan and Darius’ selflessness is allowing us to play that way.”
Defensive Depth and Balanced Minutes Fueling Success
Another key factor in Cleveland’s historic start has been Atkinson’s ability to utilize the team’s depth effectively. With ten players averaging at least 15 minutes per game but none logging more than 30, the team has avoided over-relying on its stars. This distribution has allowed role players to thrive while keeping the starters fresh for the long season ahead.
Players like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, both of whom played under Atkinson during his tenure in Brooklyn, have adapted well to the system. Allen, the Cavaliers’ defensive anchor, commented on the potential for continued improvement: “We know we can be better, and we’re not going to stop working until we get there. Kenny is one of the best coaches in the league, and it’s showing.”
Despite the impressive start, there are still areas for improvement. The Cavaliers have committed 19 turnovers, leading to 30 points for the Warriors, and have only won the rebounding battle in four of their 10 games. However, these minor setbacks haven’t stopped Cleveland from outshooting their opponents every game, and players believe there’s much more to come.
A Stellar Night Against the Warriors
The Cavaliers’ victory over the Warriors highlighted their offensive dominance, as they built a 41-point lead by halftime, setting the stage for a comfortable win. This 83-42 advantage tied for the eighth-largest halftime lead in the NBA’s shot clock era, demonstrating just how potent Atkinson’s offense can be when firing on all cylinders.
On a night when many players could have taken the spotlight, Garland and Mobley led the way with 27 and 23 points, respectively. The team’s collective effort has allowed them to reach new heights, and Cleveland fans are feeling optimistic about the potential of a deep playoff run.
Atkinson’s Impact: A Perfect Fit for Cleveland
The hiring of Kenny Atkinson by Cleveland’s general manager Koby Altman has proven to be a game-changer for the franchise. Atkinson brought extensive experience from his three years as an assistant coach with the Warriors and has seamlessly integrated his offensive strategies into the Cavaliers’ playbook.
Golden State’s head coach Steve Kerr, who worked closely with Atkinson, expressed his approval of the Cavaliers’ decision to bring him on board. “This was a great job to get, just like mine was 10 years ago, and it’s a perfect spot for Kenny,” Kerr stated. “Continuity was already there, and they were damn good last year, but Kenny has added his touch. He obviously is a good fit.”
Atkinson’s relationship with players like Allen and LeVert, whom he previously coached in Brooklyn, has smoothed the transition and strengthened team chemistry. The Cavaliers’ success shows that hiring the right coach can make a world of difference, and the trust between players and Atkinson has been pivotal in shaping the team’s identity this season.
Looking Ahead: Can Cleveland Sustain Their Momentum?
While the Cavaliers’ 10-0 start has been remarkable, maintaining this level of success through the NBA’s 82-game season will be the true test. Cleveland’s balanced scoring, defensive depth, and team-first mentality are all factors that could propel them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen pointed out that there’s still room to grow, which is an exciting prospect for fans. “That’s the thing — we have a long way to go, a lot of stuff to clean up, which is great,” Allen noted. “We know we can be better.”
The @cavs are the first team to start 10-0 since the 2015-16 Warriors!
Peep the best of their special start pic.twitter.com/A6pwFB4t2i
— NBA (@NBA) November 9, 2024
The Cavaliers are undeniably in a strong position, boasting one of the league’s best offenses, a deep bench, and a coach who knows how to maximize their strengths. As Cleveland prepares for tougher matchups and the inevitable challenges of the season, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Atkinson’s squad can maintain their hot start and contend with the league’s best.
Final Thoughts: A New Era in Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to their best start in franchise history, thanks to the vision and coaching of Kenny Atkinson. His ability to unlock the offensive potential of this talented roster has reinvigorated the team and its fan base. With Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley leading the charge, the Cavaliers are poised for a memorable season.
As the season unfolds, Cleveland’s 10-0 start may come to be seen as the beginning of a new era for the franchise—one where the Cavaliers are not only contenders but one of the NBA’s most exciting teams to watch
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