The Cleveland Cavaliers are rewriting the NBA record books. On Friday night, they throttled the defending champion Golden State Warriors 136-117 to stay perfect at 10-0 on the season, becoming the first team in league history to win their first 10 games while scoring at least 110 points in each contest. Under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavs have unleashed a devastatingly efficient offense that is taking the Association by storm.
Atkinson’s Offensive Wizardry
When the Cavaliers hired Kenny Atkinson in the offseason, they knew they were getting an innovative offensive mind. But no one could have predicted this level of immediate success. Cleveland is averaging a scorching 124.5 points per game on 52.6% shooting, both tops in the NBA. Atkinson’s up-tempo, free-flowing system has unlocked the immense potential of the Cavs’ young core.
This was a great job to get, just like mine was 10 years ago, and it’s a perfect spot for Kenny. Continuity was already there and they were damn good last year, but Kenny has added his touch. He obviously is a good fit.
– Warriors coach Steve Kerr on Kenny Atkinson’s success in Cleveland
Sharing the Wealth
One key to the Cavaliers’ blistering start has been their unselfish play and incredible depth. An astounding 10 players are averaging at least 15 minutes per game, but none are logging more than 30. All-Star guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland have been more than happy to share the spotlight, a fact not lost on their teammates.
We’re playing fast and we’re playing the right way. Everyone is making shots and everyone is having fun. And Donovan and Darius’ selflessness is allowing us to play that way.
– Cavs guard Ty Jerome, who scored a season-high 20 points vs. the Warriors
Dominant Performances
In the win over Golden State, Darius Garland led the way with 27 points, while second-year phenom Evan Mobley added 23. The Cavs raced out to an 83-42 halftime lead, tying the 8th-largest halftime margin in the NBA’s shot clock era. Cleveland has now outshot its opponent in all 10 games this season.
That’s the thing — we have a long way to go, a lot of stuff to clean up, which is great. 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.
– Cavs center Jarrett Allen on the team’s record start
Making NBA History
At 10-0, the Cavaliers have matched the best start in franchise history. More impressively, they are the first team ever to win their first 10 games while scoring 110+ points in each one. Coach Atkinson couldn’t help but marvel at his squad’s accomplishment.
10-0 is something. It’s kind of a magic number, right? I was worried about tonight because the Warriors are champions. That surprised me, how ready we were, how hungry we were. 10-0 is really something for our team.
– Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson
The scorching hot Cleveland Cavaliers will look to keep their perfect record intact when they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night. With Atkinson at the helm and a roster brimming with talent, there’s no telling how high this Cavs team can soar. One thing is for certain: the rest of the NBA has officially been put on notice.
