As the NBA season reaches its midway point, one team is separating itself from the pack in historic fashion. The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by the dynamic duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, are an astonishing 34-5 and on pace to join the rarefied air of 70-win teams. But this isn’t some happy accident – the signs were there that this young Cavs squad was building something special.
The Cavs’ Core Four Finally Healthy and Thriving
Cleveland’s climb to the top of the NBA mountain really started in the 2021-22 season. That year, in Mitchell’s first campaign with the Cavs after being acquired via trade, and Evan Mobley’s rookie season, Cleveland outscored opponents by 5.6 points per 100 possessions when their optimal lineup played – the second-best mark in the league.
The only problem? That foursome of Mitchell, Garland, Mobley and Jarrett Allen only shared the court for 28 games due to an assortment of injuries, including Garland fracturing his jaw and missing a month and a half. This season, they’ve already logged 34 games together and the results speak for themselves.
Mobley’s Expanding Offensive Role
Under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavs have unleashed Evan Mobley as a offensive initiator. The second-year big man has more than doubled his possessions as a pick-and-roll ball handler (145 this season compared to 58 all of last year) and is scoring more efficiently in those situations. His ability to handle, pass and shoot gives the Cavs’ offense a unique dimension.
Our defensive side of the ball was already good. Getting more offense in our repertoire [was] a must.
– Darius Garland on the Cavs’ focus this season
Mitchell’s Scoring Prowess
Adding a three-time All-Star like Donovan Mitchell to an already talented roster pushed the Cavaliers into another stratosphere. The dynamic shooting guard is one of the league’s most electric scorers, with the ability to fill it up from all three levels. His presence prevents defenses from loading up on Garland and alleviates pressure on Cleveland’s bigs.
Garland’s Clutch Ability
After a difficult 2023-24 season where he lost weight and rhythm after breaking his jaw, Darius Garland is back with a vengeance. The crafty lefty is posting career-highs in efficiency and leading the NBA in clutch field goal percentage at a scorching 65.5%. With the game on the line, there are few players you’d rather have with the ball in their hands than Garland.
Allen Anchoring Elite Defense
Jarrett Allen may not get the same spotlight as his All-Star teammates, but his impact can’t be overstated. The Cavs’ defensive anchor is an elite rim protector who deters shots with his length and timing. He’s also nimble enough to switch onto perimeter players when needed. With Allen manning the middle, Cleveland once again boasts a top-5 defense.
Can the Cavs Actually Win 70 Games?
As amazing as Cleveland has been, joining the 70-win club is a monumental task. Only the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors and 1995-96 Chicago Bulls have achieved the feat. Working against the Cavs is a difficult remaining schedule and a big lead for the East’s top seed that could encourage them to rest players down the stretch.
More important than any arbitrary win total, though, is the Cavs’ viability as a championship contender. Their combination of shot creation, size, switchability, and scoring balance makes them a difficult playoff matchup. And for a group that’s dealt with crushing postseason injuries the past two years, maybe their luck is finally turning.
- Transition dominance – The Cavs are outscoring teams by a huge margin on the break
- Pick your poison – Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley can all create their own shot in crunch time
- Defensive versatility – With their length and quickness, Cleveland can switch across multiple positions
Ultimately, regular season wins are just a means to an end. This Cavaliers team has its sights set on the real prize – an NBA championship to hang alongside the one captured by LeBron James and company in 2016. With their star power, depth, and cohesion, betting against them seems unwise. 70 wins or not, Cleveland’s future is blindingly bright.
