The Cavaliers joined illustrious company after defeating Charlotte on Sunday, becoming just the fourth team in NBA history to open a season with 15 consecutive victories, per Jenna West and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. The other three teams were the Washington Capitols (15-0 in 1948/49), the Rockets (15-0 in ’93/94), and the Warriors (24-0 in ’15/16).
Darius Garland (25 points, 12 assists, five rebounds), Ty Jerome (24 points, eight assists), Evan Mobley (23 points, 11 rebounds) and Jarrett Allen (21 points, 15 rebounds) led a balanced attack for Cleveland, which won by 14 points despite playing without star guard Donovan Mitchell, who was resting. As Lloyd notes, the Cavs have the best offensive rating in the league, having scored at least 130 points six times, which is a franchise record; they nearly accomplished the feat again on Sunday, finishing with 128.
The Cavs will face their biggest test of the season on Tuesday in Boston against the defending champion Celtics, who are 11-3, second place in the East.
Here’s more on the Cavaliers:
- Head coach Kenny Atkinson complimented Jerome following Sunday’s game, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “He’s one of our best players right now,” Atkinson said. “It’s always nice having another ball-handler out there so D.G. doesn’t get worn out.” For his part, Jerome said the victory was a byproduct of the team’s depth. “Just a deep, complete team,” Jerome said. “Kenny said after the game, ‘We go one through 18 and we’re 18 deep.’ Something we pride ourselves on.” The 27-year-old guard, who was limited to just two games last season due to an ankle injury, will be a free agent next summer.
- While their 15-0 start has been remarkable, Atkinson said he’s unhappy with how the defense has performed of late, according to Fedor of Cleveland.com. The Cavs gave up 73 points in the first half — and 126 overall — in Friday’s victory over Chicago, then 114 to Charlotte on Sunday.
- Brian Windhorst of ESPN takes an in-depth look at how the Cavs’ offseason plans have paid off in a major way to open ’24/25. Atkinson, who was hired in late June to replace J.B. Bickerstaff, has implemented several changes, particularly on the offensive end, and has “total buy in” from the team’s star players, Windhorst writes. “This is rare,” Atkinson said. “We just have this incredible chemistry and an incredible understanding and respect for one another. It’s beautiful to watch.”