In a league where every win is hard-earned, the Cleveland Cavaliers have achieved something truly remarkable – a perfect 9-0 start to the 2024-25 NBA season, the best in franchise history. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavs have emerged as an early juggernaut, showcasing depth, chemistry, and a winning mentality that has the rest of the league taking notice.
A Historic Night in New Orleans
The Cavaliers’ record-setting ninth straight victory came on Wednesday night in a hard-fought 131-122 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell led the way with a team-high 29 points, but it was the Cavs’ balanced attack that truly stood out. Six Cleveland players scored in double figures, with the bench contributing an impressive 50 points.
We’re playing good basketball. We’ve done it in so many different ways. We’ve had blowouts, close games, come-from-behind wins.
Donovan Mitchell on the Cavaliers’ versatility
The Cavs shot a blistering 54.2% from the field and 48.6% from three-point range, continuing their season-long trend of efficient offense. Through nine games, Cleveland leads the NBA in field goal percentage at 52.6%, a testament to their ball movement, shot selection, and wealth of scoring options.
Kenny Atkinson’s Impressive Debut
For head coach Kenny Atkinson, the 9-0 start is a dream debut with his new team. Atkinson, who previously coached the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-2020, has quickly instilled a culture of teamwork, accountability, and attention to detail in Cleveland. His players have bought in, and the results speak for themselves.
The vibes are great, energy’s great, he’s done a phenomenal job with us and we’ve also bought in. He’s given us input but also allowed us to give input ourselves and I think that’s what’s special.
Donovan Mitchell on playing for Coach Atkinson
Atkinson’s coaching acumen was on full display against the Pelicans, as he deftly managed his rotation and made key adjustments throughout the game. The Cavs’ ability to weather New Orleans’ runs and maintain their composure in a hostile road environment is a reflection of their coach’s steady hand and the trust he has built with his players.
A Cavalier Celebration
After the final buzzer sounded in New Orleans, the Cavaliers’ celebration was one for the ages. Led by center Jarrett Allen, the team doused Coach Atkinson with water bottles in a raucous locker room scene, reveling in their historic achievement.
You have to [celebrate]. This season’s so long. It’s so hard to win in this league. So, when you do have moments like this, you have to celebrate a little.
Coach Kenny Atkinson on enjoying the moment
While the Cavs know that tougher tests lie ahead, they are determined to savor this moment and use it as fuel for the long season to come. The team’s chemistry, resilience, and hunger to prove themselves have been evident from day one, and now the rest of the NBA is starting to take notice.
Looking Ahead: A Clash with the Champs
The Cavaliers won’t have much time to rest on their laurels, as they face a marquee matchup against the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors on Friday night in Cleveland. The Warriors, who famously started the 2015-16 season with an NBA-record 24 straight wins, will provide a litmus test for just how far this Cavs team has come.
But if the first nine games are any indication, this Cleveland squad fears no opponent. With Mitchell leading the charge, a deep and versatile roster buying into Atkinson’s system, and a hunger to establish themselves as a force in the East, the Cavs appear poised to make this a season to remember.
As the wins keep piling up and the national spotlight grows brighter, one thing is clear – the Cleveland Cavaliers are the NBA’s hottest team, and they have no intention of slowing down anytime soon. The rest of the league has officially been put on notice.
