The Cleveland Cavaliers are emerging as the real story of the opening to the NBA season, still unbeaten after a month.
The NBA is beginning to sit up and take notice. No longer just a quirky stat-line in a weak Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers might just be for real.
The Cavaliers have put together the longest unbeaten run to start the season since Golden State’s record setting stretch in 2015.
This season the Cavs are at 14-0, and also won their NBA Cup game 144-126 against the Chicago Bulls, and currently they look unstoppable.
Cavaliers coaching and playing hard
The Cavs’ win came against a Bulls team that pushed them hard earlier in the week in a conference battle, and this one was dominant – for three quarters.
The team scored 49 points in the first quarter, and despite being outscored in the second, they finished strong with 37 in the fourth.
The Bulls actually outscored the Cavs 39-28 in the second quarter, and in a high-scoring game, the team had actually allowed 73 points at half-time, where the score was a surprisingly tight 77-73.
Coach Kenny Atkinson was not happy, and he slammed a shower sandal in the locker room during the half-time break to convey his displeasure, making his feelings clear.
Speaking after the game, star player Donovan Mitchell told reporters he was actually happy to see his coach’s angry attitude, to keep them focused.
Mitchell said: “That’s what we want. We all prefer that. We hear how good we are.
“For us, that’s how we get better. We haven’t lost, but how do you continue to find ways to build habits?
“It’s continuing to coach hard and not let any lapses. That’s what you want in a coach.”
The Cavs big win came without Evan Mobley, who missed the game with injury. Donovan Mitchell continued his impressive play with 37 points.
Cavaliers next games
The Cavaliers next five games are as follows…
- Charlotte Hornets
- at Boston Celtics – NBA Cup
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Toronto Raptors
- Atlanta Hawks
Can they stay unbeaten? Kenny Atkinson will certainly be keen to keep his players focused for as long as possible.
The Celtics will look to make a statement at TD Garden this week, but even with a loss, as a Cup game, the Cavs’ unbeaten streak would remain in the conference.
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